A new differentially pumped plunger device to measure excited-state lifetimes in proton emitting nuclei

Abstract A new plunger device has been designed and built to measure the lifetimes of unbound states in exotic nuclei beyond the proton drip-line. The device has been designed to work in both vacuum and dilute-gas environments made possible through the introduction of a low-voltage stepping motor. DPUNS will be used in conjunction with the gas-filled separator RITU and the vacuum separator MARA at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, to measure the lifetimes of excited states with low population cross-sections. This is achieved by eliminating the need for a carbon foil to isolate the helium gas of RITU from the beam line thus reducing the background from beam-…

Evidence of oblate-prolate shape coexistence in the strongly-deformed nucleus 119Cs

International audience; Prolate-oblate shape coexistence close to the ground state in the strongly-deformed proton-rich A≈120 nuclei is reported for the first time. One of the four reported bands in 119Cs, built on a 11/2− state at 670 keV, consists of nearly degenerate signature partners, and has properties which unequivocally indicate the strongly-coupled πh11/2[505]11/2− configuration associated with oblate shape. Together with the decoupled πh11/2[541]3/2− band built on the 11/2− prolate state at 110 keV, for which a half-life of T1/2=55(5)μs has been measured, the new bands bring evidence of shape coexistence at low spin in the proton-rich strongly deformed A≈120 nuclei, a phenomenon p…

Lifetime measurements of excited states in $^{169,171,173}$Os: Persistence of anomalous $B(E2)$ ratios in transitional rare earth nuclei in the presence of a decoupled $i_{13/2}$ valence neutron

International audience; Lifetimes of low-lying excited states in the νi13/2+ bands of the neutron-deficient osmium isotopes 169,171,173Os have been measured for the first time using the recoil-distance Doppler shift and recoil-isomer tagging techniques. An unusually low value is observed for the ratio B(E2;21/2+→17/2+)/B(E2;17/2+→13/2+) in 169Os, similar to the “anomalously” low values of the ratio B(E2;41+→21+)/B(E2;21+→0gs+) previously observed in several transitional rare-earth nuclides with even numbers of neutrons and protons, including the neighbouring 168,170Os. Furthermore, the evolution of B(E2;21/2+→17/2+)/B(E2;17/2+→13/2+) with increasing neutron number in the odd-mass isotopic c…

Probing the shape of176Hgalong the yrast line

In-beam \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray and \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidence measurements have been made for the very neutron-deficient nucleus ${}^{176}\mathrm{Hg}$ using the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique. The irregular yrast sequence observed up to $I=10\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$ indicates that the prolate intruder band, seen in heavier Hg isotopes near the neutron midshell, crosses the nearly spherical ground-state band of ${}^{176}\mathrm{Hg}$ above $I=6\ensuremath{\Elzxh}.$

High-spin levels in 63 145 Eu82

The level scheme of theN=82 nucleus145Eu has been extended toI=(55/2) andEx=11.2 MeV in an experiment with the Tessa Compton-suppressed Ge detector array using the127I(22Ne,4n) reaction. Most of the complicated and irregular level scheme of145Eu can be interpreted as proton multi-quasiparticle states in comparison to the64146Gd82 core nucleus but also excitations across the neutronN=82 core have been observed.

Transition probabilities in negative parity bands of the 119I nucleus

Abstract Lifetimes in four negative-parity bands of 119 I were measured using DSAM and RDM. 119 I nuclei were produced in the 109 Ag( 13 C,3n) reaction, γγ coincidences were collected using the NORDBALL array. RDDSA — a new method of RDM analysis — is described. This method allowed for the self-calibration of stopping power. From 31 measured lifetimes, 39 values of B (E2) were established. Calculations in the frame of the Core Quasi Particle Coupling (CQPC) model were focused on the problem of susceptibility of the nucleus to γ -deformation. It was established that nonaxial quadrupole deformation of 119 I plays on important role. The Wilets–Jean model of a γ -soft nucleus describes the 119 …

Shape isomerism and spectroscopy ofHg177

High spin states in the $^{177}\mathrm{Hg}$ nucleus were populated by the $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}(^{36}\mathrm{Ar},3\mathrm{n})^{177}\mathrm{Hg}$ reaction at a beam energy of $178\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{MeV}$. The emitted prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were detected with the Jurosphere $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometer, while the recoiling nuclei were identified using an active stopper at the focal plane of the gas-filled separator RITU. A quasi-rotational band that decays to an isomeric state with a half-life ${t}_{1∕2}=1.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ and its subsequent $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay to the ground state of…

Isomeric 13/2+ state in 201Fr

We have identified an isomeric state in 201Fr for which we propose a spin and parity of 13/2 +, and interpret it as arising from the π(i13/2 ) configuration. A half-life of 720(40) ns was measured, corresponding to B(M2) = 0.17(2) W.u., in good agreement with those of other 13/2 + → 9/2 − [π(i13/2 ) → π(h9/2 )] transitions observed in other nuclei in the region. The nuclei of interest were produced in a fusion-evaporation reaction and their decay properties were investigated using the GREAT spectrometer at the focal plane of the RITU gas-filled recoil separator. peerReviewed

The role of the shape driving neutron orbital in 108Cd

Abstract The nucleus 108Cd has been studied using a heavy-ion reaction and the NORDBALL multi-detector array. The yrast band has been extended to Ip = 24+, and nine quasi-rotational side bands have been identified. The n h 11 2 negative-parity orbital is found to play a dominant role both in the low-spin as well as in the high-spin structure of 108Cd. The first band crossing in the yrast band is caused by the h 11 2 neutrons. The 10+ state of the aligned n( h 11 2 ) 2 configuration decays strongly into a low-lying low-spin intruder-like positive-parity band. It is suggested that this intruder structure is dominated by a non-aligned n( h 11 2 ) 2 configuration. For the first time in this mas…

High-spin study of 119Xe

Abstract High-spin states have been populated in 54 119 Xe via the 96 Mo( 27 Al,p3n) reaction at 133 MeV, using the Jurosphere γ-ray spectrometer to record triple γ-ray coincidences. The known level scheme has been significantly extended and several band crossings identified. In particular, the νh 11 2 yrast band has been extended to I π = ( 83 2 − ) and shows features which are consistent with those of smooth band termination at high spin. Theoretical results for 119 Xe at high spin are discussed within the framework of cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations, together with results for 117 Xe.

New collective structures in Au179 and their implications for the triaxial deformation of the Pt178 core

Stability of the heaviest elements: K isomer in No250

Decay spectroscopy of No250 has been performed using digital electronics and pulse-shape analysis of the fast nuclear decays for the first time. Previous studies of No250 reported two distinct fission decay lifetimes, related to the direct fission of the ground state and to the decay of an isomeric state but without the possibility to determine if the isomeric state decayed directly via fission or via internal electromagnetic transitions to the ground state. The data obtained in the current experiment allowed the puzzle to finally be resolved, attributing the shorter half-life of t1/2=3.8±0.3μs to the ground state and the longer half-life t1/2=34.9−3.2+3.9μs to the decay of an isomeric stat…

Isomeric state in the doubly odd196At nucleus

An excited isomeric state has been identified in the 196At nucleus using the recoil decay tagging technique. This is the first identification of an excited state in this neutron-deficient odd-odd nucleus. Several tentative prompt γ-rays have also been correlated with 196At α-decay, although it has not been possible to assign them to specific energy levels in 196At. The mean lifetime of the isomeric state has been measured as τ = 11±2 µs. The new level is compared with similar low-lying states in neighbouring nuclei and is de-excited by an E2 γ-ray transition, the large hindrance of which is not expected.

Identification of new transitions feeding the high-spin isomers in $^{139}$Nd and $^{140}$Nd nuclei

The population of the high-spin isomers in 139Nd and 140Nd was investigated using the 96Zr(48Ca,xn) reaction and the JUROGAM + RITU + GREAT setup employing the recoil decay tagging technique. Three transitions feeding the 23/2+ isomer in 139Nd and two transitions feeding the 20+ isomer in 140Nd were identified. The newly observed transitions allowed the excitation energy of the isomer to be established in 139Nd and to assign configurations to the states and bands deexcited by the observed transitions in both nuclei. peerReviewed

In-beam and decay spectroscopy of very neutron deficient iridium nuclei

Iridium nuclei at and beyond the proton drip line have been studied via fusion evaporation reactions. A reaction of 92Mo(78Kr, p2n) at a beam energy of 360 MeV and target thickness 500 µg cm−2 was employed to study 167,167mIr. A reaction of 112Sn(58Ni, p2n) at a beam energy of 266 MeV and target thickness 500 µg cm−2 was used to study 169,169mIr. The experiments were performed at the University of Jyvaskyla utilizing the RITU separator in conjunction with the focal plane GREAT spectrometer and the JUROGAM Ge array at the target position. Excited states feeding both the ground state and isomeric state in 169Ir, excited states feeding the ground state of 167Ir and the ground state alpha decay…

Gamma-ray spectroscopy of191,193Bi

Very neutron-deficient Bi-191,Bi-193 nuclei have been studied at the Department of Physics, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland (JYFL) employing the Jurosphere II Ge-detector array coupled to the gas-filled recoil separator RITU and different tagging techniques. For the first time in heavy odd-mass nuclei, a collective band (oblate) is identified above the 2p-1h (1/2(+)) proton intruder state in Bi-191. In both Bi-191,Bi-193, a band based on isomeric 13/2(+) state has been observed and oblate deformation for this state has been deduced. ispartof: Acta Physica Polonica B vol:32 issue:3 pages:1019-1023 ispartof: location:POLAND, ZAKOPANE status: published

Evolution of collectivity inHg180andHg182

Lifetimes of yrast states in $^{180}\mathrm{Hg}$ up to the ${8}^{+}$ state and of the ${9}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state have been extracted from recoil-decay tagged $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra by using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. In addition, lifetimes of yrast states up to the ${10}^{+}$ state in $^{182}\mathrm{Hg}$ have been extracted from recoil-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$-coincidence spectra. The present study addresses the evolution of collectivity of two competing shapes in neutron-deficient Hg nuclei as a function of $A$ and the configuration mixing at low spin.

Rich band structure and multiple long-lived isomers in the odd-odd 118Cs nucleus

One of the largest sets of collective excitations built on two-quasiparticle configurations in odd-odd nuclei of the proton-rich A≈120 mass region is reported in 118Cs. Several new rotational bands and long-lived isomers have been identified. The 8+ bandhead of the πh11/2⊗νh11/2 band is a short-lived isomer with a half-life in the nanosecond range, while the 7+ state below it is a long-lived isomer with a half-life of T1/2=0.55(6)μs. Two other long-lived isomers have been identified: a 66-keV transition detected at the MARA focal plane depopulates one of them, indicating a half-life in the microsecond range, while no depopulating transitions have been identified for the other, indicating a …

Maximum spin aligned states in 98 47Ag51

New excited states have been observed in the neutron deficient isotope Ag-98 following the Ni-58+Cr-50-->Te-108* heavy-ion reaction. One of these states may be interpreted as a maximum spin aligned state of the pi g(9/2)(-3) nu vg(7/2) configuration. Other possible interpretations within the nuclear shell model are discussed as well.

New developments on the recoil distance doppler-shift method

Absolute transition probabilities are fundamental observables for nuclear structure. The recoil-distance-Doppler-shift (RDDS) technique, also called plunger technique, is a well established tool for the determination of these important experimental quantities via the measurement of lifetimes of excited nuclear states. Nowadays nuclear structure investigations are concentrated on exotic nuclei which are often produced with extremely small cross sections or with very low beam intensities. In order to use the RDDS technique also for the investigation of very exotic nuclei this method has to be adapted to the specific needs of these special reactions. This article gives an overview on recent RD…

Backbending in the pear-shaped 223(90)Th nucleus: Evidence of a high-spin octupole to quadrupole shape transition in the actinides

International audience; Relatively neutron-rich thorium isotopes lie at the heart of a nuclear region of nuclei exhibiting octupole correlation effects. The detailed level structure of Th223 has been investigated in measurements of γ radiation following the fusion-evaporation channel of the Pb208(O18,3n)Th223 reaction at 85 MeV beam energy. The level structure has been extended up to spin 49/2, and 33 new γ rays have been added using triple-γ coincidence data. The spins and parities of the newly observed states have been confirmed by angular distribution ratios. In addition to the two known yrast bands based on a K=5/2 configuration, a non-yrast band has been established up to spin 35/2. We…

Spectroscopy of low-spin states in $^{157}\mathrm{Dy}$: Search for evidence of enhanced octupole correlations

Low-spin states of 157Dy have been studied using the JUROGAM II array, following the 155Gd ({\alpha}, 2n) reaction at a beam energy of 25 MeV. The level scheme of 157Dy has been expanded with four new bands. Rotational structures built on the [523]5/2- and [402]3/2+ neutron orbitals constitute new additions to the level scheme as do many of the inter- and intra-band transitions. This manuscript also reports the observation of cross I- to (I-1)- and I- to (I-1)+ E1 dipole transitions inter-linking structures built on the [523]5/2- (band 5) and [402]3/2+ (band 7) neutron orbitals. These interlacing band structures are interpreted as the bands of parity doublets with simplex quantum number s =…

Evidence for prolate structure in light Pb isotopes from in-beamγ-ray spectroscopy ofPb185

For the first time, excited states in {sup 185}Pb have been observed in in-beam {gamma}-ray spectroscopic measurements using the recoil-decay tagging method. The resulting level scheme reveals a strongly coupled yrast band structure that originates from coupling of the i{sub 13/2} quasineutron to a prolate deformed core. The band is also observed to de-excite via the spherical {alpha}-decaying 13/2{sup +}isomeric state.

In-beam spectroscopy of $^{253,254}$No

In-beam conversion electron spectroscopy experiments have been performed on the transfermium nuclei 253,254No using the conversion electron spectrometer SACRED in nearly collinear geometry in conjunction with the gas-filled separator RITU at the University of Jyvaskyla. The experimental setup is discussed and the spectra are compared to Monte Carlo simulations. The implications for the ground-state configuration of 253No are discussed.

First observation of high-K isomeric states in $$^{249}$$Md and $$^{251}$$Md

Decay spectroscopy of the odd-proton nuclei $^{249}$Md and $^{251}$Md has been performed. High-K isomeric states were identified for the first time in these two nuclei through the measurement of their electromagnetic decay. An isomeric state with a half-life of 2.8(5) ms and an excitation energy $\ge 910$ keV was found in $^{249}$Md. In $^{251}$Md, an isomeric state with a half-life of 1.4(3) s and an excitation energy $\ge 844$ keV was found. Similarly to the neighbouring $^{255}$Lr, these two isomeric states are interpreted as 3 quasi-particle high-K states and compared to new theoretical calculations. Excited nuclear configurations were calculated within two scenarios: via blocking nucle…

In-beam spectroscopy with intense ion beams: Evidence for a rotational structure in246Fm

The rotational structure of ${}^{246}$Fm has been investigated using in-beam $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopic techniques. The experiment was performed using the JUROGAMII germanium detector array coupled to the gas-filled recoil ion transport unit (RITU) and the gamma recoil electron alpha tagging (GREAT) focal plane detection system. Nuclei of ${}^{246}$Fm were produced using a 186 MeV beam of ${}^{40}$Ar impinging on a ${}^{208}$Pb target. The JUROGAMII array was fully instrumented with Tracking Numerical Treatment 2 Dubna (TNT2D) digital acquisition cards. The use of digital electronics and a rotating target allowed for unprecedented beam intensities of up to 71 particle-nanoamper…

X(5) critical-point symmetries in 138Gd

International audience; The lifetimes of low-lying transitions in 138Gd have been measured using the recoil-distance Doppler-shift technique. The resultant reduced transition probabilities have been compared to X(5) critical-point calculations to assess the potential 'phase-transitional' behaviour of 138Gd. The X(5) symmetry describes the first order 'phase transition' between sphericity, U(5) and an axially deformed nuclear shape, SU(3). Although a high degree of correspondence is observed between the experimental and theoretical excitation energies, the large uncertainties of the experimental B(E2) values cannot preclude contributions from either vibrational or rotational modes of excitat…

Collective rotational – vibrational transition in the very neutron-deficient nuclei Pt

Excited states have been identified for the first time in very neutron deficient Pt-171.172 nuclei using the recoil-or-decay tagging technique. The ground-state band in Pt-172 has been established up to I-pi = 8+. A similar level sequence, presumably built on the I-pi = 13/2(+) state, is observed for Pt-171. The data are compared with theoretical calculations based on the mean field approach and the random phase approximation and are put into the context of the systematics of platinum isotopes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental study of isomeric intruder 12+ states in At197,203

A newly observed isomeric intruder ${\textonehalf{}}^{+}$ state $[{T}_{\textonehalf{}}=3.5(6)\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}]$ is identified in $^{203}\mathrm{At}$ using a gas-filled recoil separator and fusion-evaporation reactions. The isomer is depopulated through a cascade of $E3$ and mixed $M1/E2$ transitions to the ${9/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ground state, and it is suggested to originate from the $\ensuremath{\pi}{({s}_{\textonehalf{}})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ configuration. In addition, the structures above the ${\textonehalf{}}^{+}$ state in $^{203}\mathrm{At}$ and $^{197}\mathrm{At}$ are studied using in-beam $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy, recoil-decay tagging, and recoi…

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of 56Co

Excited states of Co-56 were studied in the reaction Al-27(S-32,2p1n) Co-56. The NORDBALL array with a Neutron Wall and a Silicon Ball was employed. The excited states were interpreted in terms of ...

Recoil-decay tagging spectroscopy of74162W88

Excited states in the highly neutron-deficient nucleus W-162 have been investigated via the Mo-92(Kr-78, 2 alpha) W-162 reaction. Prompt gamma rays were detected by the JUROGAM II high-purity germa ...

High-j bands in 173Ir

Abstract High-spin states in rotational bands associated with the 11 2 − [505] , 1 2 − [541] and 1 2 + [660] Nilsson orbits have been observed in the previously unknown 173Ir nucleus using the 144Sm(32S,p2n) reaction at 163 MeV. The B(M1; I → I − 1)/B(E2; I → I −2) ratios have been extracted for the 11 2 − [505] band and compared with predictions of the semiempirical model by Donau and Frauendorf. The quasineutron band crossing frequencies and alignment gains are discussed in terms of the CSM model. Calculations for equilibrium deformations suggest different deformations for the three bands observed.

Lifetimes in the ground-state band and the structure of 118Te

Lifetimes of excited states in 118Te have been measured using the Doppler Shift Attenuation (DSA) and Recoil Distance (RD) methods in the 109Ag(13C, p3n) reaction at a beam energy of 54 MeV. Lifetime values of the ground-state band levels with spins I π = 2+-16+ have been obtained. The excitation energies and B(E2) values are interpreted in the framework of a version of IBFM ( IBM + 2qp) with the maximum boson number exceeding its standard value. A satisfactory agreement with experimental level scheme and B(E2) values for the ground-state band is achieved.

α -decay spectroscopy of the N=130 isotones Ra218 and Th220 : Mitigation of α -particle energy summing with implanted nuclei

© 2019 American Physical Society. An analysis technique has been developed in order to mitigate energy summing due to sequential short-lived α decays from nuclei implanted into a silicon detector. Using this technique, α-decay spectroscopy of the N=130 isotones Ra218 (Z=88) and Th220 (Z=90) has been performed. The energies of the α particles emitted in the Ra218→Rn214 and Th220→Ra216 ground-state-to-ground-state decays have been measured to be 8381(4) keV and 8818(13) keV, respectively. The half-lives of the ground states of Ra218 and Th220 have been measured to be 25.99(10) μs and 10.4(4) μs, respectively. The half-lives of the ground states of the α-decay daughters, Rn214 and Ra216, have …

Prompt gamma ray-spectroscopy of N = 50 fission fragments

Excited states in the nuclei 83 As and 84,86 Se have been studied via prompt -ray spectroscopy. The nuclei were produced by the proton-induced fission of a 238 U target, at the accelerator of the University of Jyvaskyla. The JUROGAM-II array was used to detect prompt -rays and a triple- coincidence analysis performed. A comparison of the N = 50 nuclei with shell-model calculations reproduces the low-lying states in 83 As and 84 Se well. The inclusion of particle-hole excitations is necessary to correctly describe the states above ∼ 3.5 MeV.

First candidates for γ vibrational bands built on the [505]11/2⁻ neutron orbital in odd-A Dy isotopes

Rotational structures have been measured using the Jurogam II and GAMMASPHERE arrays at low spin following the 155Gd(α,2n)157Dy and 148Nd(12C,5n)155Dy reactions at 25 and 65 MeV, respectively. We report high-K bands, which are conjectured to be the first candidates of a Kπ=2+γ vibrational band, built on the [505]11/2− neutron orbital, in both odd-A155,157Dy isotopes. The coupling of the first excited K=0+ states or the so-called β vibrational bands at 661 and 676 keV in 154Dy and 156Dy to the [505]11/2− orbital, to produce a Kπ=11/2− band, was not observed in both 155Dy and 157Dy, respectively. The implication of these findings on the interpretation of the first excited 0+ states in the cor…

Recoil isomer tagging in the proton-rich odd-oddN=77isotones, 65142Tband 67144Ho

Reduced transition probabilities along the yrast line in W-166

WOS: 000406755100001

Isomeric 13/2+ (νi13/2−1) state in 211Th

Using a fusion-evaporation reaction and a gas-filled recoil separator, an isomeric state [T12=83(8)μs] with a most likely spin and parity of 132+ has been identified in Th211. The isomeric state is mainly depopulated via a hindered internal M2 transition [B(M2)=0.0025(5) W.u.], but also a weak α-decay branch of 4(3)% was observed. The present observations fit well to the systematic pattern set by the previously identified states of the same spin and parity in this region of the nuclear chart. peerReviewed

Spectroscopy of 70Kr and isospin symmetry in the T = 1 f pg shell nuclei

International audience; The recoil-β tagging technique has been used in conjunction with the 40 Ca(32 S ,2n) reaction at a beam energy of 88 MeV to identify transitions associated with the decay of the 2 + and, tentatively, 4 + states in the nucleus 70 Kr. These data are used, along with previously published data, to examine the triplet energy differences (TED) for the mass 70 isobars. The experimental TED values are compared with shell model calculations, performed with the JUN45 interaction in the fpg model space, that include a J = 0 isospin nonconserving (INC) interaction with an isotensor strength of 100 keV. The agreement is found to be very good up to spin 4 and supports the expectat…

Isomer Spectroscopy in90216Th126and the Magicity of92218U126

Excited states in (216)Th were investigated via prompt and delayed gamma decays and the recoil-decay tagging method. The decay schemes of the I(pi) = (8+), t(1/2) = 128(8) micros, the I(pi) = (11-), t(1/2) = 615(55) ns, and the I(pi) = (14+), t(1/2) > or = 130 ns isomers were established. The configuration pi h(9/2)f(7/2) is assigned to the I(pi) = (8+) isomer, which implies that the h(9/2) and f(7/2) states are nearly degenerate. This is ascribed to increased binding of the f(7/2) orbital by its coupling to a low-lying I(pi) = (3-) state at E(x) = 1687 keV. The role of octupole and pairing correlations for a Z = 92 shell closure prediction is discussed on the basis of shell model calculati…

Stability of the heaviest elements : K isomer in 250No

Decay spectroscopy of 250No has been performed using digital electronics and pulse-shape analysis of the fast nuclear decays for the first time. Previous studies of 250No reported two distinct fission decay lifetimes, related to the direct fission of the ground state and to the decay of an isomeric state but without the possibility to determine if the isomeric state decayed directly via fission or via internal electromagnetic transitions to the ground state. The data obtained in the current experiment allowed the puzzle to finally be resolved, attributing the shorter half-life of t1/2 = 3.8 ± 0.3 μs to the ground state and the longer half-life t1/2 = 34.9+3.9 −3.2 μs to the decay of an isom…

Shape coexistence in $^{178}$Hg

Lifetime measurements of excited states in 178 Hg have been performed using the 103 Rh ( 78 Kr , p 2 n ) reaction at a beam energy of 354 MeV. The recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique was applied to select the 178 Hg nuclei and associate the prompt γ rays with the correlated characteristic ground-state α decay. Lifetimes of the four lowest yrast states of 178 Hg have been determined using the recoil distance Doppler-shift (RDDS) method. The experimental data are compared to theoretical predictions with focus on shape coexistence. The results confirm the shift of the deformed prolate structures to higher lying states but also indicate their increasing deformation with decreasing neutron numb…

Evolution of collective motion in light polonium nuclei

The {gamma}-ray spectroscopy of even- and odd-mass isotopes of polonium have been studied using arrays of Ge detectors coupled to recoil-mass analyzers, including recoil-decay tagging techniques. The level energies and B(E2) branching ratios can be reproduced by theoretical frameworks which do not explicitly include proton particle-hole excitations across the Z = 82 shell, conclusions in contrast to those deduced from alpha-decay measurements.

Alignment processes in 119Cs, 121Cs and 123Cs

Rotational band structures have been observed in the odd-A Cs isotopes 119Cs, 121Cs and 123Cs. The previously known bands have been extended to higher spin values and several new bands have been es ...

Anomalous transition strength in the proton-unbound nucleus I5653109

A lifetime measurement has been made for the first excited 11/2(+) state in the proton-unbound nucleus (109)(53)I56 using the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method in conjunction with recoil-proton ...

Neutron and protonh 11/2 alignment effects in121La

In a γ-spectroscopic study, excited states in the very neutron deficient nucleus121La have been established for the first time. Rotational bands built on the 9/2+[404] and l/2−[550] Nilsson orbitals are observed up to a maximum spin of tentatively 51/2ħ. The experimental results are compared with Total Routhian Surface calculations.

In-beam gamma-ray and electron spectroscopy of $^{249,251}$Md

The odd-Z Md251 nucleus was studied using combined γ-ray and conversion-electron in-beam spectroscopy. Besides the previously observed rotational band based on the [521]1/2− configuration, another rotational structure has been identified using γ-γ coincidences. The use of electron spectroscopy allowed the rotational bands to be observed over a larger rotational frequency range. Using the transition intensities that depend on the gyromagnetic factor, a [514]7/2− single-particle configuration has been inferred for this band, i.e., the ground-state band. A physical background that dominates the electron spectrum with an intensity of ≃60% was well reproduced by simulating a set of unresolved ex…

A Recoil-Beta Tagging Study of N = Z nucleus [sup 66]As

A Recoil‐Beta Tagging (RBT) experiment was recently performed at the accelerator laboratory at the University of Jyvaskyla in order to identify T = 1 excited states in the medium‐heavy N = Z = 33 nucleus 66As. The fusion‐evaporation reaction 28Si(40Ca,pn)66As was employed at a beam energy of 75 MeV. The experiment was carried out utilising the JUROGAM II γ‐ray spectrometer in conjunction with the gas‐filled recoil separator RITU and the GREAT focal plane spectrometer system. The half‐lives and ordering of the two known isomeric states in 66As have been determined. In addition, several new prompt γ‐ray transitions from excited states both bypassing and decaying to the isomeric states in 66As…

In-beam spectroscopy using the JYFL gas-filled magnetic recoil separator RITU

The techniques of recoil-gating and recoil-decay tagging have been employed at Jyvaskyla to perform in-beam γ-ray and electron spectroscopy studies of heavy nuclei. The JUROSPHERE γ-ray array and the SACRED electron spectrometer have been placed at the target position of the JYFL gas-filled recoil separator recoil ion transport unit (RITU). The RITU separator has been used to collect the recoils of interest and separate them from beam particles and fission products. At the focal plane a detector system consisting of time-of-flight and implantation detectors has been used for further event identification. The method and some highlights from the results in the lead region close to the proton …

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of 102Cd

Neutron deficient nuclei close to 100Sn have been studied using the NORDBALL Ge-detector array together with ancillary particle detectors. Evaporation residues from the compound nucleus 108Te were identified with charged particle and neutron detectors. In this paper a considerable extension of the level scheme of the nucleus 102Cd is presented. The strongest cascade of the new level scheme reveals an irregular sequence of dipole transitions above Iπ = 10+ extending up to spin 17. A strongly populated rather regular side band consisting of four quadrupole transitions ranging from spin 9 to spin 17 was also discovered. This band was tentatively assigned negative parity. Shell model calculatio…

Promptγ-ray spectroscopy of the neutron-rich124Cd

Prompt γ -ray spectroscopy of neutron-rich cadmium isotopes has been performed. The nuclei of interest have been populated via a 25-MeV, proton-induced fission of the 238 U thick target and prompt γ -rays measured using the multi-detector HPGe array JUROGAM II. New high-spin decays have been observed and placed in the level scheme using triple coincidence gates. The experimental results are compared to shell-model calculations and show good agreement.

Evidence for Magnetic Rotation in the Light Tin Region

Lifetimes have been measured for three M1 bands in light Sn/Cd nuclei using the DSAM technique. B(M1) values deduced from these measurements show a rapid decrease with increasing spin for a given configuration. The results have been compared with both Tilted axis cranking and semi-empirical model calculations. These suggest that the shears mechanism is present in this mass region, and that the band in 106Sn appears to be the first example of almost pure magnetic rotation.

First observation of excited states in 184Pb: spectroscopy beyond the neutron mid-shell

Excited states have been identified for the first time in 184Pb, the first even-even Pb isotope beyond the 82 < N < 126 mid-shell, using the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique. A collective band built on the first-excited 2+ state has been observed. This resembles those seen in 186,188Pb and the Hg isotones, and can thus be associated with a prolate-deformed shape. Variable moment of inertia (VMI) fits of the prolate 0+ level energies in 184,186,188Pb indicate that the minimum appears at N= 103, the same neutron number at which the corresponding minimum in Hg isotopes is observed.

Decays of new nuclides and isomers beyond the proton drip line - The influence of neutron configurations

Bozok University;Erciyes University;et al.;Istanbul University;Nigde University;The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK)

Gamma-ray spectroscopy of 192–195Po

Prompt and delayed γ-rays have been observed from very neutron deficient 192–195Po nuclei by using the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) and recoil gating techniques. The yrast levels up to the (10+) state in the 192Po were identified for the first time. Comprehensive data for 194Po rendered it possible to extend the yrast line and to observe several positive and negative parity non-yrast states. In the odd-mass isotopes 193Po and 195Po, favoured and unfavoured states on top of the 13/2+ state have been identified. The results are discussed within the simple vibrator and rotor pictures as well as in the framework of coexisting spherical and deformed-intruder structures.

Shape coexistence at the proton drip-line: First identification of excited states inPb180

Excited states in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleus {sup 180}Pb have been identified for the first time using the JUROGAM II array in conjunction with the RITU recoil separator at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaeskylae. This study lies at the limit of what is presently achievable with in-beam spectroscopy, with an estimated cross section of only 10 nb for the {sup 92}Mo({sup 90}Zr,2n){sup 180}Pb reaction. A continuation of the trend observed in {sup 182}Pb and {sup 184}Pb is seen, where the prolate minimum continues to rise beyond the N=104 midshell with respect to the spherical ground state. Beyond-mean-field calculations are in reasonable correspondence with the…

Recoil-beta tagging: A novel technique for studying proton-drip-line nuclei

Abstract Tagging with charged particles and γ -rays at the focal plane of recoil separators has proven, over the last two decades, to be a very powerful tool for the identification of excited states in exotic nuclei produced with very low cross-sections. One of the key areas so far unexplored in terms of the tagging methodology has been performing correlations with β -particles at the focal plane of a recoil separator. A new technique entitled Recoil-Beta Tagging (RBT) has been developed, this technique exploits the unusual properties of Fermi super-allowed β emitters, which have both a short half-life ( ∼ 100 ms ) and high β + -endpoint energy. Correlating with such β -particles using a do…

Coexistence of triaxial and prolate shapes in 171Ir

Abstract Excited states in 171Ir have been observed for the first time. Gamma-rays were assigned to the nucleus by the recoil-decay tagging method. The ground-state band has a structure consistent with an h 11 2 proton coupled to a core of large triaxial deformation. At high spins, a bandcrossing occurs which is interpreted as a change in shape to a prolate deformation. Band-mixing calculations are performed for 171–175Ir. These show that shape-coexistence between triaxial and prolate states in these nuclei follows the same systematics found in their Pt and Os neighbours. The systematics are also compared with deformations calculated for 171–179Ir using the code “Ultimate Cranker”. Dipole b…

De-excitation of the strongly coupled band in 177Au and implications for core intruder configurations in the light Hg isotopes

International audience; Excited states in the proton-unbound nuclide $^{177}$Au were populated in the $^92}$Mo($^{88}$Sr, p2n) reaction and identified using the Jurogam-II and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator at the University of Jyväskylä Accelerator Laboratory. A strongly coupled band and its decay path to the 11/2−α-decaying isomer have been identified using recoil-decay tagging. Comparisons with cranked Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) calculations based on Skyrme energy functionals suggest that the band has a prolate deformation and is based upon coupling the odd 1h11/2 proton hole to the excited 02+ configuration in the $^{178}$Hg core. Although these…

Spectroscopy on the proton drip-line: Probing the structure dependence of isospin nonconserving interactions

J. Henderson et al. ; 4 pags. ; 4 figs. ; PACS number(s): 21.10.Re, 21.60.Cs, 23.20.Lv, 27.50.+e

Microsecond isomers in 187Tl and 188Pb

Lifetime measurements of states in nuclei with A=187 and 188 have been performed, using reactions between 155Gd and 36Ar and following the transport of evaporation residues to the focal plane of a gas-filled recoil separator. In a separate experiment using the 159Tb(32S, 4n) reaction the γ-decay of isomeric levels in 187Tl has been studied using delayed γ-γ coincidence measurements. From observation of their subsequent γ decay, the mean lifetimes were measured to be 1000 ± 55 ns and 1600 ± 100 ns. Although it was not possible to characterize the isomers completely, they are proposed as candidates for one-proton, two-neutron excitations. In the course of this study, the decay of an isomer in…

Chirality of 135 Nd reexamined : Evidence for multiple chiral doublet bands

One new pair of positive-parity chiral doublet bands have been identified in the odd-A nucleus 135Nd which together with the previously reported negative-parity chiral doublet bands constitute a third case of multiple chiral doublet (MχD) bands in the A ≈ 130 mass region. The properties of the MχD bands are well reproduced by constrained covariant density functional theory and particle rotor model calculations. The newly observed MχD bands in 135Nd represents an important milestone in supporting the existence of MχD in nuclei. peerReviewed

Exploring the boundaries of the nuclear landscape : α-decay properties of 211Pa

Employing the recoil ion transport unit (RITU) and a fusion-evaporation reaction, the α decay of 211Pa has been identified via the implantation-decay correlation technique through observation of chains up to four consecutive decays. An α-particle energy and half-life of 8320(40) keV and 3.8+4.6−1.4 ms, respectively, were measured, corresponding to favored α decay. In addition, more precise α-decay properties of 212Pa and 213Pa were obtained due to accumulated statistics. The present data were compared to those predicted by selected atomic mass models and it was used to estimate the possibility of observing proton emission from these isotopes. peerReviewed

Towards higher sensitivity at the RITU focal plane

The recently reconstructed focal plane detector system for the gas-filled recoil separator RITU was used to observe a new proton emitter 164Ir. The nuclide was produced via the p5n fusion evaporation channel using a 64Zn beam on a 106Cd target. The proton energy Ep = 1817(9) keV and half-life T1/2 = 113+62-30 μ s were used to characterize the decaying state to be [π h11/2 ν f7/2]9+. The new focal plane detector system and the results of the proton decay studies will be discussed. peerReviewed

γ decay of excited states in 198Rn identified using correlated radioactive decay

The low-lying level structure of the neutron-deficient isotope 198Rn has been studied for the first time, using the 166Er(36Ar,4n) reaction at a beam energy of 175 MeV. Evaporation residues were selected using an in-flight gas-filled separator, RITU, and implanted at the focal plane into a 16-element position-sensitive, passivated ion-implanted planar silicon detector. Prompt γ rays in 198Rn were observed at the target position using the JUROSPHERE array of 24 Compton-suppressed germanium detectors, and were identified by the subsequent radioactive decay of associated recoiling ions in the silicon detector. Isotopic assignments of the nuclei produced were made on the basis of the energy and…

In-beam andα-decay spectroscopy of191Poand evidence for triple shape coexistence at low energy in the daughter nucleus187Pb

Prompt gamma rays have been observed for the first time from the neutron-deficient nucleus Po-191 using the recoil-decay tagging technique at the RITU gas-filled separator. In addition improved alp ...

Competing proton and neutron alignments in neutron-deficient Xe-nuclei

Abstract High-spin structures of the neutron-deficient 117,118,120 Xe isotopes have been studied by in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic techniques. The final nuclei have been identified by means of charged-particle detectors. Collective rotational bands based on the neutron d 5 2 , g 7 2 and h 11 2 configurations have been identified in 117 Xe. In the even 118 Xe and 120 Xe nuclei several new side bands were observed and the previously known bands were extended. The present level schemes include two positive-parity bands constructed to high spin in 118 Xe, whereas in 120 Xe three such bands were observed. In order to explain these bands, both proton and neutron ( h 11 2 ) 2 alignments, as well as t…

First observation of excited states inHg17595

Excited states of the neutron-deficient nucleus Hg-175, populated using fusion-evaporation reactions, are reported for the first time. The spin and parity of the ground state has been determined to ...

Structure of rotational bands in 253No

In-beam gamma-ray and conversion electron spectroscopic studies have been performed on the 253 No nucleus. A strongly coupled rotational band has been identified and the improved statistics allows an assignment of the band structure as built on the $\ensuremath 9/2^-[734]_{\nu}$ ground state. The results agree with previously known transition energies but disagree with the tentative structural assignments made in earlier work.

Lifetime measurements of excited states in $^{162}$W and $^{164}$W and the evolution of collectivity in rare-earth nuclei

International audience; Lifetimes of the first excited 2+ states in the extremely neutron-deficient $^{162}$W and $^{164}$W nuclei have been measured using the recoil distance Doppler shift technique. Experimental B(E2) data for the isotopic chains of hafnium, tungsten, and osmium, from the midshell region near the β-stability line towards the N=82 closed shell and the most neutron-deficient nuclides, are compared with predictions of nuclear deformations and 21+→0g.s.+ reduced transition strengths from different classes of state-of-the-art theoretical model calculations. The results reveal striking differences and deficiencies in the predictive power of current nuclear structure models.

Shape coexistence in odd-mass Au isotopes: Determination of the excitation energy of the lowest intruder state in ^{179}Au

Abstract Phenomenon of the shape coexistence has been investigated in 17979Au100. This very neutron-deficient isotope, 18 neutrons away from the stable gold isotope 19779Au118, was studied by a combination of α-decay and isomer-decay spectroscopy employing the ritu gas-filled separator and the great focal-plane spectrometer at the University of Jyvaskyla. A new isomer with t 1 / 2 = 328 ( 2 ) ns was observed and states associated with π d 3 / 2 − 1 , π s 1 / 2 − 1 , π f 7 / 2 + 1 and π h 9 / 2 + 1 structures were revealed. The implications of these results on the systematics of π h 9 / 2 + 1 and π f 7 / 2 + 1 intruder structures in the odd-mass gold isotopes are discussed. The minimum of th…

Rich band structure and multiple long-lived isomers in the odd-odd Cs118 nucleus

Tilted precession bands in Nd135

Two new excited bands built on the πh11/2 configuration have been identified in Nd135 in addition to the known πh11/2 band. The energy spectra of the excited bands and the available electromagnetic transition probabilities are in good agreement with theoretical results obtained using quasiparticle-plus-triaxial-rotor model calculations. The properties of the bands identify them as tilted precession bands instead of wobbling bands. Our results give a new insight into the interpretation of the low-lying bands in odd-A mass nuclei, and can stimulate future studies to address the nuclear triaxiality.

Excited states in Ra217 populated in the α decay of Th221

Fine structure in the α decay of Th90221, populating excited states in Ra88217, was studied using αγ-coincidence spectroscopy. Two α-decay branches from Th221 have been newly observed, with Eα(keV)[bα(%)]=7951(8)[0.14(3)] and 8247(3)[1.51(12)], together with three previously known branches. Also, two new states in Ra217 were identified at E = 177 and 227 keV. The ground-state configurations of the odd-A, N = 131 transitional isotones above Pb208 are interpreted from their α-decay fine structure systematics and considered in terms of predictions using spherical shell and reflection-asymmetric models.

α-spectroscopy studies of the new nuclides 165Pt and 170Hg

The new nuclides 165Pt and 170Hg were produced in the reactions 92Mo(78Kr,5n) and 96Ru(78Kr,4n) at bombarding energies of 418 MeV and 390 MeV, respectively. For 170Hg an α-particle energy of Eα=7590(30)keV and half-life of t1/2=0.08+0.40−0.04ms were deduced, while for 165Pt the corresponding values were 7272(14) keV and 0.26+0.26−0.09ms. Comparison of the reduced α-decay widths with systematics indicates that both α decays are unhindered. Although combining the measured α-decay Q values with extrapolated masses suggests that both new nuclides are unbound to two-proton emission by more than 1 MeV, their α-decay half-lives are too short for this decay mode to compete. Improved data were also …

Spectroscopy ofAt201including the observation of a shears band and the29/2+isomeric state

The excited states of $^{201}\mathrm{At}$ were studied and an isomeric $29/{2}^{+}$ state $[{T}_{\textonehalf{}}=3.39(9)\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}]$ was identified by using a fusion-evaporation reaction, a gas-filled recoil separator, and recoil gating techniques. The $29/{2}^{+}$ state is suggested to originate from the $\ensuremath{\pi}({h}_{9/2})\ensuremath{\bigotimes}|^{200}\mathrm{Po};{11}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ configuration, and it decays through the 269- and 339-keV $E2$- and $E3$-type transitions, respectively. Moreover, a cascade of magnetic dipole transitions that is suggested to originate from a shears band was observed by using recoil-…

High-spin states in110Cd

Levels of110Cd have been investigated via the96Zr(18O,4n)110Cd reaction by employing the NORD-BALL array of 17 Compton- suppressed Ge detectors. The yrast band has been observed up to I=28 ħ and 14.2 MeV excitation energy with band crossing at ħωc=0.35 MeV. At least three side bands have been constructed. The negative parity bands experience band crossings at ħωc ≈ 0.45 MeV.

High-spin studies of the neutron deficient nuclei 103In, 105In, 107In, and 109In

High-spin states of the isotopes In-103,In-105,In-107,In-109 have been investigated using in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopic methods. Results from three different experiments are presented. Targets of Fe-54, Cr-50, and Mo-92 were bombarded by a 270 and 261 MeV Ni-58 beam and by a 95 MeV F-19 beam, respectively. Reaction channel separation was achieved with a charged-particle detector array and in the first two experiments also with a 1 pi neutron detector system. As a result of these experiments the level schemes of In-103,In-105,In-107,In-109 were significantly extended. Excited states of these odd-A indium isotopes are discussed within the framework of the nuclear shell model and the hole-co…

A charge plunger device to measure the lifetimes of excited nuclear states where transitions are dominated by internal conversion

Abstract A charge plunger device has been commissioned based on the DPUNS plunger (Taylor et al., 2013) using the in-flight mass separator MARA at the University of Jyvaskyla. The 152 Sm (32 S ,4 n )180 Pt reaction was used to populate excited states in 180 Pt . A lifetime measurement of the 2 1 + state was performed by applying the charge plunger technique, which relies on the detection of the charge state-distribution of recoils rather than the detection of the emitted γ rays. This state was a good candidate to test the charge plunger technique as it has a known lifetime and depopulates through a converted transition that competes strongly with γ -ray emission. The lifetime of the 2 1 + s…

Characterizing the atomic mass surface beyond the proton drip line via a-decay measurements of the s1/2 ground state of 165Re and the h11/2 isomer in 161Ta

The a-decay chains originating from the s1/2 and h11/2 states in 173Au have been investigated following fusion-evaporation reactions. Four generations of a radioactivities have been correlated with 173Aum leading to a measurement of the a decay of 161Tam. It has been found that the known a decay of 161Ta, which was previously associated with the decay of the ground state, is in fact the decay of an isomeric state. This work also reports on the first observation of prompt g rays feeding the ground state of 173Au. This prompt radiation was used to aid the study of the a-decay chain originating from the s1/2 state in 173Au. Three generations of a decays have been correlated with this state lea…

Shell-Structure and Pairing Interaction in Superheavy Nuclei: Rotational Properties of the Z=104 Nucleus (256)Rf

The rotational band structure of the Z ¼ 104 nucleus 256Rf has been observed up to a tentative spin of 20@ using state-of-the-art -ray spectroscopic techniques. This represents the first such measurement in a superheavy nucleus whose stability is entirely derived from the shell-correction energy. The observed rotational properties are compared to those of neighboring nuclei and it is shown that the kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia are sensitive to the underlying single-particle shell structure and the specific location of high-j orbitals. The moments of inertia therefore provide a sensitive test of shell structure and pairing in superheavy nuclei which is essential to ensure the val…

Direct observation of theBa114→Xe110→Te106→Sn102tripleα-decay chain using position and time correlations

The triple $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay chain $^{114}\mathrm{Ba}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{110}\mathrm{Xe}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{106}\mathrm{Te}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{102}\mathrm{Sn}$ has been directly observed for the first time, following the $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}(^{58}\mathrm{Ni},2n)$ reaction. Implantation of $^{114}\mathrm{Ba}$ nuclei into a double-sided silicon-strip detector has allowed their $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays to be correlated in position and time with the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays of the daughter $(^{110}\mathrm{Xe})$ and granddaughter $(^{106}\mathrm{Te})$ nuclei. In total, 17 events have been assigned to the $^{114}\mathrm{Ba}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{110}\mathrm{Xe}…

Lifetime measurements of excited states in ¹⁶³W and the implications for the anomalous B(E2) ratios in transitional nuclei

This letter reports lifetime measurements of excited states in the odd-N nucleus $^{163}$W using the recoil-distance Doppler shift method to probe the core polarising effect of the i13/2 neutron orbital on the underlying soft triaxial even-even core. The ratio B(E2:21/2+→17/2+)/B(E2:17/2+→13/2+) is consistent with the predictions of the collective rotational model. The deduced B(E2) values provide insights into the validity of collective model predictions for heavy transitional nuclei and a geometric origin for the anomalous B(E2) ratios observed in nearby even-even nuclei is proposed.

Coulomb excitation of $^{78}$Kr

Expérience à JYFL cyclotron (Jyväskylä, Finlande); The Kr isotopes are considered to be among the best cases for shape coexistence studies in the mass A$\sim$70 region. Our campaign to investigate in detail the development of the shape coexistence in the neutron deficient Kr isotopes was started with the stable nucleus $^{78}$Kr. To obtain the information about the intrinsic shape, Coulomb excitation experiments were performed. A total of 26 matrix elements were determined for $^{78)$Kr. Simple geometrical and algebraic models do not reproduce all details of the electromagnetic structure. A good interpretation of the complex structure of the nucleus with competing oblate and prolate shapes …

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of 103Cd

Excited states of Cd-103 were studied in the reaction Ni-58(Cr-50,4pn)Cd-103. The NORDBALL array with neutron and charged particle detectors was employed for the detection of gamma rays and light evaporated particles. The level scheme of Cd-103 was significantly extended. A strong cascade of E2 transitions connecting negative parity states was found, Shell model calculations were performed and positive parity excited states were interpreted in terms of neutron-particle and proton-hole excitations with respect to the doubly magic N = Z = 50 core. The negative parity band was well reproduced by the total routhian surface calculations. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Reinvestigation of the excited states in the proton emitter $^{151}$Lu: particle-hole excitations across the $N=Z=64$ subshell

The excited states of the proton emitter $^{151}$Lu were reinvestigated in a recoil-decay tagging experiment at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a (JYFL). The level scheme built on the ground state of $^{151}$Lu was updated with five new $\gamma$-ray transitions. Large-scale shell model calculations were carried out to interpret the experimental level scheme. It is found that the excitation energies of states above the $27/2^-$ and $23/2^+$ isomeric levels can be sensitive to excitations from $g_{7/2}$ and $d_{5/2}$ to single-particle orbitals above $N=Z=64$.

First candidates for $\gamma$ vibrational bands built on the $[505]11/{2}^{-}$ neutron orbital in odd-$A$ Dy isotopes

Rotational structures have been measured using the Jurogam II and GAMMASPHERE arrays at low spin following the 155Gd({\alpha},2n)157Dy and 148Nd(12C, 5n)155Dy reactions at 25 and 65 MeV, respectively. We report high-K bands, which are conjectured to be the first candidates of a K{\pi}= 2+ {\gamma} vibrational band, built on the [505]11/2- neutron orbital, in both odd-A 155, 157Dy isotopes. The coupling of the first excited K=0+ states or the so-called \b{eta} vibrational bands at 661 and 676 keV in 154Dy and 156Dy to the [505]11/2- orbital, to produce a K{\pi}=11/2- band, was not observed in both 155Dy and 157Dy, respectively. The implication of these findings on the interpretation of the f…

Identification of sub-μs isomeric states in the odd-odd nucleus 178Au

The neutron-deficient gold (Z=79) isotopes in the vicinity of the neutron midshell N=104 provide prolific examples of shape coexistence and isomerism at low excitation energy. They can be probed via a number of different experimental techniques. In this study, two new isomeric states with half-lives of 294(7) and 373(9) ns have been observed in the neutron-deficient odd-odd nuclide 178Au (N=99) in an experiment at the RITU gas-filled separator at JYFL, Jyväskylä. This result was achieved due to the use of a segmented planar germanium detector with a high efficiency at low energies. By applying the recoil-decay tagging technique, they were assigned to decay to two different long-lived α-deca…

Towards saturation of the electron-capture delayed fission probability: The new isotopes $^{240}Es$ and $^{236}Bk$

Abstract The new neutron-deficient nuclei 240 Es and 236 Bk were synthesised at the gas-filled recoil separator RITU. They were identified by their radioactive decay chains starting from 240 Es produced in the fusion–evaporation reaction 209 Bi( 34 S,3n) 240 Es. Half-lives of 6 ( 2 ) s and 22 − 6 + 13 s were obtained for 240 Es and 236 Bk, respectively. Two groups of α particles with energies E α = 8.19 ( 3 ) MeV and 8.09 ( 3 ) MeV were unambiguously assigned to 240 Es. Electron-capture delayed fission branches with probabilities of 0.16 ( 6 ) and 0.04 ( 2 ) were measured for 240 Es and 236 Bk, respectively. These new data show a continuation of the exponential increase of ECDF probabilitie…

Neutron excitations in 119Ba

The neutron-deficient 119Ba nucleus has been studied using the 58Ni(64Zn,2pn) reaction and the JUROGAM 3 γ-ray detector array coupled to the MARA recoil-mass separator setup. One new rotational band and several low-lying states are newly identified. A half-life of T1/2=0.36(2)μs has been measured for the 5/2− bandhead of the νh11/2 band. The two previously known rotational bands are confirmed, except for the higher part of the +1/2 signature partner of the positive-parity band. Configurations are assigned based on the analysis of the observed quasiparticle alignments whose nature is unveiled by the calculations using the particle number conserving cranked shell model. peerReviewed

Isomeric and ground-state properties of78171Pt,76167Os, and74163W

Decay paths, half-lives, and excitation energies of the i(13/2) bandheads of the neutron-deficient nuclei Pt-171, Os-167, and W-163 have been established for the first time. Gamma-ray transitions, ...

Collective and broken pair states of65,67Ga

Excited states of 65Ga and 67Ga nuclei were populated through the 12C(58Ni,αp) and 12C(58Ni,3p) reactions, respectively, and investigated by in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic methods. The NORDBALL array equipped with a charged particle ball and 11 neutron detectors was used to detect the evaporated particles and γ rays. The level schemes of 65,67Ga were constructed on the basis of γγ-coincidence relations up to 8.6 and 10 MeV excitation energy, and Iπ=27/2 and 33/2+ spin and parity, respectively. The structure of 65,67Ga nuclei was described in the interacting boson-fermion plus broken pair model, including quasiproton, quasiproton-two-quasineutron, and three-quasiproton fermion configurations in…

Decay of a 19(-) isomeric state in Lu-156

A multiparticle spin-trap isomeric state having a half-life of 179(4) ns and lying 2601 keV above the yrast 10(+) state in Lu-156 has been discovered. The Lu-156 nuclei were produced by bombarding isotopically enriched Cd-106 targets with beams of Ni-58 ions, separated in flight using the gas-filled separator RITU and their decays were measured using the GREAT spectrometer. Analysis of the main decay path that populates yrast states observed previously suggests a spin-parity assignment of 19(-) for the isomeric state, which is consistent with isomeric states identified in the N = 85 isotones. Comparison with other decay paths in Lu-156 indicates that the [pi h(11/)(2)(-1) circle times nu h(…

In-beam study of 102In, 104In and 106In

Proton-rich odd-odd In isotopes have been investigated by in-beam spectroscopic methods using the NORDBALL detector array. A Ni-58 beam with an energy of 270 MeV was used to bombard a Fe-54 target. ...

Lifetimes of yrast states in 110Cd

Abstract Lifetimes or lifetime limits of 20 yrast levels in 110 Cd have been measured using the recoil-distance method and the NORDBALL array of Compton-suppressed Ge detectors. From the reduced transition probabilities competing rotational and vibrational behaviour of 110 Cd is revealed. Also non-collective states, associated with proton configurations, have been observed.

Identification of excited states in doubly odd63140Eu77by recoil-isomer tagging

The 36Ar + 107Ag fusion-evapn. reaction was used to search for isomeric states in the N = 77 isotope 140Eu near the proton-drip line. The recoiling nuclei were implanted into a Si detector, at the focal plane of a gas-filled separator, where prompt and delayed g-ray transitions were correlated across isomeric states using recoil-isomer tagging. The feeding and decay of a new 299(3) ns isomeric state was established. This measurement represents the first observation of excited high-spin states in 140Eu. The behavior of the new states above the isomer is discussed in terms of theor. calcns. based upon the cranked-shell model and upon the exptl. systematics of other N = 77 isotones. Within thi…

Evidence for Shears Bands in108Cd

High-spin states were populated in ${}^{108}\mathrm{Cd}$ using the ${}^{96}\mathrm{Zr}{(}^{16}\mathrm{O},4n)$ reaction at a beam energy of 72 MeV. Two magnetic dipole bands have been observed, both of which contain weak $E2$ crossover transitions. Lifetimes for the stronger of the two bands were measured via the Doppler shift attenuation method. The configuration assignment for this band has been determined from comparison with tilted axis cranking model calculations to be $\ensuremath{\pi}[{g}_{9/2}^{\ensuremath{-}3}{g}_{7/2}]\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}[{h}_{11/2}{(g}_{7/2}{d}_{5/2}{)}^{1}]$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}[{g}_{9/2}^{\ensuremath{-}3}{g}_{7/2}]\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensu…

γ-Ray Spectroscopy at the Limits: First Observation of Rotational Bands inLr255

The rotational band structure of Lr-255 has been investigated using advanced in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopic techniques. To date, Lr-255 is the heaviest nucleus to be studied in this manner. One ro ...

Collectivity and Configuration Mixing inPb186,188andPo194

Lifetimes of prolate intruder states in {sup 186}Pb and oblate intruder states in {sup 194}Po have been determined by employing, for the first time, the recoil-decay tagging technique in recoil distance Doppler-shift lifetime measurements. In addition, lifetime measurements of prolate states in {sup 188}Pb up to the 8{sup +} state were carried out using the recoil-gating method. The B(E2) values have been deduced from which deformation parameters vertical bar {beta}{sub 2} vertical bar =0.29(5) and vertical bar {beta}{sub 2} vertical bar =0.17(3) for the prolate and the oblate bands, respectively, have been extracted. The results also shed new light on the mixing between different shapes.

Structure of high-spin states in Pd

High-spin states of the neutron deficient (100)pd nucleus have been investigated via the Cr-50(Ni-58, 4p alpha) and Zn-70(S-36,6n) heavy-ion induced reactions. For the detection of evaporated particles and gamma rays the NORDBALL array equipped with ancillary detectors and the EUROGAM II detector system were utilized. By the use of in-beam spectroscopic methods 89 transitions belonging to (100)pd have been observed, 49 of which were identified for the first time. The level scheme has been extended up to E-X approximate to 16 MeV excitation energy and I approximate to 25h. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of cranked shell model calculations. Maximal spin alignments…

Lifetime measurements in 166Re : Collective versus magnetic rotation

WOS: 000371740600004

Fine structure in the alpha decays of 226U and 230Pu

The nuclei 226U and 230Pu have been populated via reactions involving 208Pb targets bombarded by 22Ne and 26Mg projectiles. Fusion-evaporation residues were separated in-flight using a gas-filled recoil separator. A position-sensitive Si-strip detector was employed at the focal plane in order to identify correlated α-decay chains. Two fine structure α-decay lines have been observed. The first, with an energy of 7385(5) keV, is assigned as the α decay from 226U to the first excited 2+ state of 222Th. The second line, observed for the first time in this work, has an energy of 6961(30) keV and is assigned as the α decay from 230Pu to the first excited 2+ state of 226U. The excitation energy of…

Excited states of111I and the observation of a 21 ns isomer

Proton rich nuclei close to 100 Sn have been investigated inbeam using the NORDBALL detector array. A beam of 270 MeV58 Ni was used to bombard a 54 Fe target. Reaction channel separation was achieved with a 4π charged particle multi-detector set-up together with a 1π neutron detector wall placed in the forward direction. Gamma-ray transitions belonging to the 111 I nucleus were identified for the first time. A level scheme constructed from γ-γ-particle-coincidence analysis is proposed. The level structure is discussed within the framework of the shell model and the systematics of the heavier odd iodine nuclei.

Low-lying structure of light radon isotopes

The excited states in the neutron-deficient isotopes Rn have been populated using the Er(Ar,4n), Er(Ar,4n), and Er(Ar,4n) reactions at beam energies of 175, 182, and 177 MeV, respectively. Evaporation residues were selected using an in-flight gas-filled separator and implanted at the focal plane into a 16-element position-sensitive, passivated ion-implanted planar silicon detector. Prompt γ rays were observed at the target position using an array of Compton-suppressed germanium detectors. Correlation with the subsequent radioactive decay of associated recoiling ions in the silicon detector, recoil-γ and recoil-γ-γ coincidences were used to construct decay schemes of light radon isotopes. Me…

Decay of aπh11/2⊗νh11/2microsecond isomer in61136Pm75

An experiment has been performed to populate several extremely neutron-deficient nuclei around the mass-140 region of the nuclear chart, using a beam of {sup 54}Fe on a {sup 92}Mo target at an energy of 315 MeV. Analysis of these data using recoil-isomer tagging has established that the yrast {pi}h{sub 11/2} x {nu}h{sub 11/2},J{sup {pi}}=(8{sup +}), bandhead state in {sup 136}Pm is isomeric with a half-life of 1.5(1) {mu}s. This isomeric state decays via a 43-keV, probable-E1 transition to a J{sup {pi}}=(7{sup -}) state. Consideration of the theoretical Nilsson orbitals near the Fermi surface suggests that the J{sup {pi}}=(8{sup +}) state has a {nu}h{sub 11/2}[505](11/2){sup -} x {pi}h{sub …

Signatures of enhanced octupole correlations at high spin in 136Nd

Experimental signatures of moderately enhanced octupole correlations at high spin in 136Nd are indicated for the first time. The extracted dipole moments of two negative-parity bands are only two times smaller than those of the lanthanide nuclei with N≈90 which present well-established octupole correlations. Calculations using the cranked quasiparticle random phase approximation and a model of quadrupole-octupole rotations with octupole vibrations reveal the structure of the bands and the enhanced octupole correlations at high spin in 136Nd. peerReviewed

Identification of yrast states in187Pb

gamma-ray spectroscopy of the high-spin states of the neutron-deficient nucleus Pb-187 has been conducted with the Gd-155(Ar-36,4n) reaction. A cascade of three transitions was deduced from gamma-gamma coincidence data gated by detection of recoiling evaporation residues in a gas-filled recoil separator. In an earlier, separate experiment, two of these gamma rays were positively identified with Pb-187 by recoil-gamma coincidence measurements with a high-resolution, recoil mass spectrometer. From comparison with similar sequences in heavier odd-A lead isotopes, the cascade in Pb-187 is associated with the sequence of three E2 transitions from the yrast 25/2(+) level to a low-lying 13/2(+) is…

Quasiparticle alignments andα-decay fine structure of175Pt

Excited states and decay properties of ${}^{175}$Pt have been investigated using the ${}^{92}$Mo${(}^{86}\mathrm{Sr},2pn)$ fusion-evaporation reaction. The JUROGAM I $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometer and the GREAT spectrometer were used in conjunction with the gas-filled recoil separator RITU for the measurement of the radiation at the target and focal plane positions, respectively. Two new band structures, assigned to be based on the ${I}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=({{}^{7}{/}_{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ ground state in ${}^{175}$Pt, have been established and the known yrast band has been extended up to ${I}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=({{}^{49}{/}_{2}}^{+})$. Rotational properties of the excited states i…

High-Kstructure inFm250and the deformed shell gaps atN=152andZ=100

The structure of high-spin and nonyrast states of the transfermium nucleus $^{250}\mathrm{Fm}$ has been studied in detail. The isomeric nature of a two-quasiparticle excitation has been exploited in order to obtain spectroscopic data of exceptional quality. The data allow the configuration of an isomer first discovered over 30 years ago to be deduced, and provide an unambiguous determination of the location of neutron single-particle states in a very heavy nucleus. A comparison to the known two-quasiparticle structure of $^{254,252}\mathrm{No}$ confirms the existence of the deformed shell gaps at $N=152$ and $Z=100$.

A NEW PLUNGER DEVICE FOR INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF DEFORMATION ON PROTON EMISSION RATES VIA LIFETIME MEASUREMENTS

A new plunger device has been designed and built to measure the lifetimes of unbound states in exotic nuclei beyond the proton drip-line. The device is designed to work in both vacuum and dilute-gas environments made possible through the introduction of a lowvoltage piezoelectric motors. The differential plunger for unbound nuclear states, DPUNS, will be used in conjunction with the gas-filled separator RITU and the vacuum separator MARA at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, to measure the lifetimes of excited states with low population cross-sections. This is achieved by eliminating the need for a carbon foil to isolate the helium gas of RITU from the beam …

Isomer-tagged differential-plunger measurements in proton-unbound 144Ho

The lifetime of an excited state above a weakly populated isomer in the proton-unbound odd-odd nucleus 144Ho has been measured using the recoil distance Doppler shift method. This measurement represents the first differential-plunger lifetime measurement to utilize recoil-isomer tagging. The first excited I[pi]=(10+) state above the two-quasiparticle [pi]h11/2[circle times operator][nu]h11/2(8+) isomer was determined to have a lifetime of [tau]=6(1)�ps. Potential energy surface calculations, based on the configuration-constrained blocking method, predict the isomeric state to have [gamma]-soft triaxial-nuclear shape with [gamma][approximate]24�. The lifetime of the (10+) state can be unders…

Spectroscopy of Kr70 and isospin symmetry in the T=1 fpg shell nuclei

The recoil-β tagging technique has been used in conjunction with the 40 Ca(32 S ,2n) reaction at a beam energy of 88 MeV to identify transitions associated with the decay of the 2 + and, tentatively, 4 + states in the nucleus 70 Kr. These data are used, along with previously published data, to examine the triplet energy differences (TED) for the mass 70 isobars. The experimental TED values are compared with shell model calculations, performed with the JUN45 interaction in the fpg model space, that include a J = 0 isospin nonconserving (INC) interaction with an isotensor strength of 100 keV. The agreement is found to be very good up to spin 4 and supports the expectation for analog states th…

Shape coexistence in183Tl

Prompt and delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays originating from the neutron deficient nucleus ${}^{183}\mathrm{Tl}$ have been observed using the recoil-decay tagging and recoil gating techniques. The band-head energy of the prolate $\ensuremath{\pi}{i}_{13/2}$ yrast band has been determined. The yrast structure has also been confirmed up to the ${(33/2}^{+})$ state. In addition, a candidate for the ${(11/2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ level based on the $\ensuremath{\pi}{(h}_{11/2}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ configuration has been observed.

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of 94Ag

A recoil-beta-tagging experiment has been per formed to study the excited T = 0 and T = 1 states in the odd–odd N = Z nucleus 94Ag, populated via the 40Ca(58Ni,1p3n)94Ag reaction. The experiment was con ducted using the MARA recoil separator and JUROGAM3 array at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. Through correlating fast, high-energy beta decays at the MARA focal plane with prompt γ rays emitted at the reaction target, a number of transitions between excited states in 94Ag have been identified. The timing characteris tics of these transitions confirm that they fall within decay sequences that feed the short-lived T = 1 ground state of 94Ag. The transitions are propo…

In-beam?-ray spectroscopy of102In

Neutron deficient nuclei close to100Snhave been investigated in-beam by γ-ray spectroscopic methods using the NORDBALL detector array. A beam of 270 MeV58Niwas used to bombard a target of54Fe.Reaction channel separation was achieved with a 4π charged particle multidetector setup together with a 1π neutron detector wall placed in the forward direction. Excited states of102Inwere identified for the first time. The level scheme constructed from γ-γ-particle-coincidence and γ-γ-angular correlation analysis is presented. The structure of102In is discussed and compared to neighboring nuclei in the framework of the nuclear shell-model.

Coexisting structures in 119I

Abstract High-spin structures of 119 I have been studied by using 13 C and 15 N induced reactions. In all, fifteen ΔI = 1 or 2 bands belonging to 119 I were found. No evidence was found for bands with collective oblate shape, instead, all the observed rotational bands were interpreted to possess a collective prolate shape. A rich tapestry of noncollective states of both negative and positive parity was observed. Based on TRS calculations various configurations at β 2 ≈ 0.17 and γ = 60° were assigned to these states.

The isomeric structure of132Pr

The isomeric structure of the neutron deficient nucleus 132Pr, located in the rare-earth region of the nuclear chart, has been studied with the 98Mo(40Ar,5pn)132Pr reaction at beam energies of 150, 158 and 165 MeV. The experiment was performed at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland where the 40Ar beam was accelerated onto the target by the K130 cyclotron. The JUROGAM II HPGe detector array was employed in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled recoil separator. The focal-plane chamber housed a multi wire proportional counter and a position-sensitive silicon strip detector used for the implantation and identification of recoiling nuclei. The recoil-isomer tagging technique was used to correla…

Complete set of proton excitations in 119Cs

The very neutron-deficient strongly deformed 119Cs nucleus has been studied using the 58Ni(64Zn,3p) reaction and the JUROGAM 3 γ-ray detector array coupled to the MARA recoil-mass separator setup. The excitation energies of all observed bands have been determined, spins and parities have been firmly assigned to most of the observed states. The previously known and the newly identified rotational bands have been extended to very high spin and excitation energy. The configurations of the observed bands are discussed using the particle number conserving cranked shell model. The present study establishes the largest set of rotational bands observed in the proton-rich A≈120 mass region. peerRevi…

Characterizing the atomic mass surface beyond the proton drip line viaα-decay measurements of theπs1/2ground state of165Re and theπh11/2isomer in161Ta

The α-decay chains originating from the πs1/2 and πh11/2 states in 173Au have been investigated following fusion-evaporation reactions. Four generations of α radioactivities have been correlated with 173Aum leading to a measurement of the α decay of 161Tam. It has been found that the known α decay of 161Ta, which was previously associated with the decay of the ground state, is in fact the decay of an isomeric state. This work also reports on the first observation of prompt γ rays feeding the ground state of 173Au. This prompt γ radiation was used to aid the study of the α-decay chain originating from the πs1/2 state in 173Au. Three generations of α decays have been correlated with this stat…

Competing Decay Modes of a High-spin Isomer in the Proton-unbound Nucleus $^{158}$Ta

An isomeric state at high spin and excitation energy was recently observed in the proton-unbound nucleus 158Ta. This state was observed to decay by both α and γ decay modes. The large spin change r ...

Lifetime Measurements of Excited States in $^{172}$Pt and the Variation of Quadrupole Transition Strength with Angular Momentum

Lifetimes of the first excited 2 + and 4 + states in the extremely neutron-deficient nuclide 172 Pt have been measured for the first time using the recoil-distance Doppler shift and recoil-decay tagging techniques. An unusually low value of the ratio B ( E 2 : 4 + 1 → 2 + 1 ) / B ( E 2 : 2 + 1 → 0 + gs ) = 0.55 ( 19 ) was found, similar to a handful of other such anomalous cases observed in the entire Segré chart. The observation adds to a cluster of a few extremely neutron-deficient nuclides of the heavy transition metals with neutron numbers N ≈ 90 – 94 featuring the effect. No theoretical model calculations reported to date have been able to explain the anomalously low B ( E 2 : 4 + 1 → …

High-spin states in 121Ba and deformation-dependent alignments

The high-spin structure of 121Ba has been investigated by in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopic techniques. Rotational bands based on the h11/2, g7/2 and tentatively d5/2 quasineutron configurations have ...

Highly deformed bands in Nd nuclei: New results and consistent interpretation within the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky formalism

International audience; Three new highly-deformed (HD) bands are identified in Nd136 and the highly deformed band of Nd137 is extended at higher spin by four transitions, revealing a band crossing associated with the occupation of the second νi13/2 intruder orbital. Extended cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations are performed for all HD bands observed in Nd134, Nd136, and Nd137, achieving for the first time a consistent interpretation of all HD bands in the Nd nuclei. The new interpretation has significant consequences, like the change of parity of the yrast HD bands of Nd134 and Nd136, and the involvement of two negative-parity neutron intruder orbitals in the configurations of most HD b…

Lifetime measurements of yrast states in ¹⁷⁸ Pt using the charge plunger method with a recoil separator

Abstract Lifetime measurements in \(^{178}\)Pt with excited states de-exciting through \(\gamma\)-ray transitions and internal electron conversions have been performed. Ionic charges were selected by the in-flight mass separator MARA and measured at the focal plane in coincidence with the \(4^{+}_{1}→2^{+}_{1}\) 257 keV γ-ray transition detected using the JUROGAM 3 spectrometer. The resulting charge-state distributions were analysed using the differential decay curve method (DDCM) framework to obtain a lifetime value of 430(20) ps for the \(2^{+}_{1}\) state. This work builds on a method that combines the charge plunger technique with the DDCM analysis. As an alternative analysis, ions were…

Level Scheme of 102In first observed

Neutron deficient nuclei close to 100Sn have been investigated in-beam by particle and γ -ray spectroscopic methods using the NORDBALL detector array following the bombartment of a 54Fe target with a beam of 270 MeV 58Ni. Protons and α particles were identified with a 4 π ΔE -type Si-multidetector and neutrons with a 1π liquid-scintillator-detectorassembly placed in the forward derection. Excited states of 102 In were identified for the first time. The level scheme constructed from γ - γ -particle-coincidence and γ angular correlations is discussed and compared to the structure of neighboring nuclei in the framework of the nuclear shell model.

Precision measurements of proton emission from the ground states of 156Ta and 160Re

The decays of the πd3/2 ground states of 156Ta and 160Re have been studied in detail using the GREAT spectrometer. More than 7000 160Re nuclei were produced in reactions of 290- and 300-MeV 58Ni ions with an isotopically enriched 106Cd target and separated in flight using the RITU separator. The proton and α decays of the πd3/2 level were confirmed and the half-life and branching ratios of this state were determined with improved precision to be t1/2=611±7 μs and bp=89±1% and bα=11±1%, respectively. The α-decay branch populated the ground state of 156Ta, allowing improved values for the proton-decay energy and half-life to be obtained (Ep=1011±5 keV; t1/2=106±4 ms). The β decay of this leve…

High spin band structures in104Cd

High spin states in Cd-104 have been investigated by means of heavy ion induced reactions using the Nordball detector array. The level scheme constructed from yy-coincidences is dominated by three ...

Decay of the high-spin isomer in 160Re: Changing single-particle structure beyond the proton drip line

WOS: 000286708700015

Lifetime measurements and shape coexistence inDy144

The known level scheme of {sup 144}Dy has been extended and lifetime measurements have been made with the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method. Reduced transition probabilities and deformations have been determined for four low-lying transitions. These states form part of the first observed band crossing, giving information on the change in nuclear deformation resulting from the rearrangement of h{sub 11/2} protons in the nucleus. Two bands built upon excited 10{sup +} states have been assigned pi(h{sub 11/2}){sup 2} prolate and nu(h{sub 11/2}){sup -2} oblate configurations with tau=12(2)ps and 0.01<tau < or approx. 16ns, respectively. These long lifetimes are reasoned to be a result of sha…

Electromagnetic transitions andαdecay of the223Panucleus

Actinides with $N\ensuremath{\sim}132$ present the best explored region of pear shape nuclei. Still almost no spectroscopic information is available for the heaviest elements, $Z=91--98,$ which are predicted to be octupole instable. The lack of data for the latter nuclei results from the high fission probability encountered in the heavy-ion reactions used to populate them. In order to overcome this handicap, an $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay tagging technique was used to identify $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays in ${}^{223}\mathrm{Pa}$ produced through the ${}^{208}\mathrm{Pb}{(}^{19}\mathrm{F},4n)$ reaction. A new value of 4.9(4) ms for the half-life of ${}^{223}\mathrm{Pa}$ was obtained as a by-p…

In-beam spectroscopy of 110Te

The neutron-deficient nucleus Te-110 has been investigated by in-beam spectroscopic methods using the NORDBALL multi-detector array. Except for the energy of one level observed in alpha-decay, exci ...

Strongly coupled bands in the neutron-deficient nucleus167Re

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nucleus Re-167 have been observed in a recoil-tagging experiment performed with the Jurosphere gamma-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled ...

Transition probability studies in175Au

Transition probabilities have been measured between the low-lying yrast states in 175Au by employing the recoil distance Doppler-shift method combined with the selective recoil-decay tagging technique. Reduced transition probabilities and magnitudes of transition quadrupole moments have been extracted from measured lifetimes allowing dramatic changes in nuclear structure within a low excitation-energy range to probed. The transition quadrupole moment data are discussed in terms of available systematics as a function of atomic number and aligned angular momentum.

High-spin study of neutron-deficient $^{114}$Xe

Abstract High-spin states have been populated in 114 54 Xe via the 58 Ni( 58 Ni, 2p) reaction at 210 MeV, using the Jurosphere γ -ray spectrometer to record γ -ray coincidences. The known level scheme has been significantly extended and includes two positive-parity and three negative-parity structures. At the highest spins, one of the negative-parity bands becomes yrast and shows the characteristics of a smoothly terminating band. Quadrupole moments for two of the bands at high spin have been estimated through a Doppler-broadened lineshape analysis; the terminating band has a reduced quadrupole moment implying that it is not far from full termination into a noncollective oblate state. Extra…

In-beam spectroscopy at the proton-drip line. First observation of excited states in 106Sb and 107Sb

Neutron deficient nuclei close to Sn-100 have been investigated in-beam using the NORDBALL detector array. A target of Fe-54 was bombarded with a beam of Ni-58 at 270 MeV. Evaporation residues were identified by detecting protons and alpha particles in a 4 pi charged particle multi-detector set-up and neutrons in a 1 pi neutron detector wall in coincidence with gamma rays. Excited states of the proton drip line nucleus Sb-106 and of Sb-107 were identified for the first time. The yrast level schemes constructed from gamma-gamma-particle coincidence and gamma-gamma angular correlation analysis are presented and discussed within the framework of the nuclear shell model.

Blurring the Boundaries: Decays of Multiparticle Isomers at the Proton Drip Line

A multiparticle spin-trap isomer has been discovered in the proton-unbound nucleus Ta85 73158. The isomer mainly decays by γ-ray emission with a half-life of 6.1(1) μs. Analysis of the γ-ray data shows that the isomer lies 2668 keV above the known 9+ state and has a spin 10 higher and negative parity. This 19- isomer also has an 8644(11) keV, 1.4(2)% α-decay branch that populates the 9+ state in Lu154. No proton-decay branch from the isomer was identified, despite the isomer being unbound to proton emission by 3261(14) keV. This remarkable stability against proton emission is compared with theoretical predictions, and the implications for the extent of observable nuclides are considered. © …

High-spin states in205Rn:A new shears band structure?

The high-spin structure of {sup 205}Rn has been investigated for the first time following the {sup 170}Er({sup 40}Ar,5n) and {sup 197}Au({sup 14}N,6n) reactions at beam energies of 183 MeV and 90{endash}110 MeV, respectively, using the Jurosphere and YRAST Ball arrays. Two new cascades have been identified which dominate the high-spin decay. One of these, consisting of ten stretched M1 transitions with unobserved E2 crossover transitions, is interpreted as a shears structure based on the {nu}i{sub 13/2}{sup {minus}1}{circle_times}{pi}i{sub 13/2}{sup 2} (or {nu}i{sub 13/2}{sup {minus}1}{circle_times}{pi}h{sub 9/2}i{sub 13/2}) configuration. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical…

Enhancing the sensitivity of recoil-beta tagging

Tagging with β-particles at the focal plane of a recoil separator has been shown to be an effective technique for the study of exotic proton-rich nuclei. This article describes three new pieces of apparatus used to greatly improve the sensitivity of the recoil-beta tagging technique. These include a highly-pixelated double-sided silicon strip detector, a plastic phoswich detector for discriminating high-energy β-particles, and a charged-particle veto box. The performance of these new detectors is described and characterised, and the resulting improvements are discussed.

Competing quasiparticle configurations in W-163

WOS: 000274002700019

Refined description of the positive-parity bands and the extent of octupole correlations in 120Ba

Three new negative-parity bands have been identified in 120Ba, two of them forming a strongly coupled band. The previously known negative-parity band is significantly extended to high spin, while the lower part of the yrare positive-parity band has been modified. From the analysis of the band properties and comparison with the neighboring nuclei a coherent description of all bands is achieved. In particular, a simple explanation of the evolution of the positive-parity bands at high spin is proposed, including the possible occupation of the νf7/2[541]1/2− intruder orbital. Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations reveal similar quadrupole deformations but different triaxiality of the bands, w…

First observation of excited states in the very neutron deficient nucleus76165Osand the yrast structure of76166Os

Production cross section and decay study of $^{243}$Es and $^{249}$Md

In the study of the odd-$Z$, even-$N$ nuclei $^{243}$Es and $^{249}$Md, performed at the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a, the fusion-evaporation reactions $^{197}$Au($^{48}$Ca,2$n$)$^{243}$Es and $^{203}$Tl($^{48}$Ca,2$n$)$^{249}$Md have been used for the first time. Fusion-evaporation residues were selected and detected using the RITU gas-filled separator coupled with the focal-plane spectrometer GREAT. For $^{243}$Es, the recoil decay correlation analysis yielded a half-life of $24 \pm 3$s, and a maximum production cross section of $37 \pm 10$ nb. In the same way, a half-life of $26 \pm 1$ s, an $\alpha$ branching ratio of 75 $\pm$ 5%, and a maximum production cross section of 300 $\pm$ 80 nb…

Probing intruder structures in lead nuclei

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy measurements provide important information on coexisting normal and intruder configurations in lead nuclei. However, in these experiments the yrast states are preferentially populated so that in many cases nothing is known about non-yrast states that are essential for obtaining a fuller understanding. Complementary experiments designed to study fine structure in the a decays of polonium nuclei have led to the discovery of low-spin non-yrast states in the daughter lead nuclei, while higher-spin states can be identified through the γ decays of isomeric states. The α-decay studies have the additional benefit of allowing information on configuration mixing in the polo…

Structure of 68As studied via the 12C(58Ni,pn) reaction

Excited states of As-68 nucleus were populated through the C-12(Ni-58,pn) reaction and investigated by in-beam gamma-spectroscopic methods. The NORDBALL detector array equipped with charged particle and neutron detectors was used to detect the evaporated particles and gamma-rays. The level scheme of As-68 was constructed on the basis of gamma gamma-coincidence relations up to 6 MeV excitation energy and J(pi) = (15(+)). The structure of the nucleus is discussed in the framework of the interacting boson-fermion-fermion model. The states below 2.3 MeV are described as members of proton-neutron-phonon multiplets. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Recoil-isomer tagging techniques at RITU

Techniques have been developed to study isomeric states in nuclei with the use of RITU (gas filled separator) at the University of Jyvaskyla. The first was the recoil-isomer tagging technique initially, utilised by D.M. Cullen to study the K π = 8− isomeric state in 138Gd [1]. The juro-sphere array was employed in conjunction with ritu and a focal plane array which consisted of several Compton-suppressed Germanium detectors, placed in close geometry around a multi wire proportional counter (mwpc) and a silicon strip detector used for the implantation of recoiling nuclei. This technique correlates prompt and delayed γ-ray transitions across isomeric states and identifies the lifetime of the …

First observation of excited states in182Pb

First prompt in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of a superheavy element: the256Rf

Using state-of-the-art γ-ray spectroscopic techniques, the first rotational band of a superheavy element, extending up to a spin of 20 , was discovered in the nucleus 256Rf. To perform such an experiment at the limits of the present instrumentation, several developments were needed. The most important of these developments was of an intense isotopically enriched 50Ti beam using the MIVOC method. The experimental set-up and subsequent analysis allowed the 256Rf ground-state band to be revealed. The rotational properties of the band are discussed and compared with neighboring transfermium nuclei through the study of their moments of inertia. These data suggest that there is no evidence of a s…

Level structure of 99Nb

The β decay of 97Sr to 97Y has been investigated using ion-guide on-line mass separation and a 10 Ge-detector array to record γ−γ coincidences to a detection limit well below that of former studies. Similarities are found in the β-decay patterns of 99Zr and of its isotone 97Sr and also in the γ-ray decay rates and branchings of the corresponding levels in their respective daughters 99Nb and 97Y. This indicates a persisting influence of the d5/2 neutron shell closure for 99Nb. The level structure of 99Nb and the β-feeding pattern are discussed in the frame of the interacting boson-fermion plus broken pair model and the microscopic quasiparticle phonon model.

Coexistence of collective and quasiparticle structures in 106Sn and 108Sn

New levels in the neutron deficient nuclei 106Sn and 108Sn have been investigated by using the NORDBALL detector array combined with charged particle and neutron detectors. The excited structures are discussed in terms of collectivity and the shell model. The excitations are interpreted to be based on d52, g72 and h112 both for protons and neutrons and g92 for protons. The systematical behaviour of the specific states in the Sn isotopes is studied in the mass range of A = 106–118.

Lifetime measurements probing triple shape coexistence in ^{175}Au

Lifetimes of the low-lying excited states in the very neutron-deficient nucleus ${}^{175}$Au have been measured by the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method using $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra obtained with the recoil-decay tagging technique. Transition quadrupole moments and reduced transition probabilities extracted for this odd-$Z$ nucleus indicate the existence of three different shapes and the competition between collective and noncollective structures.

New collective structures in 179Au and their implications for the triaxial deformation of the 178Pt core

The extremely neutron-deficient isotope 179Au has been studied by a combination of in-beam γ-ray and isomeric-decay spectroscopy. For in-beam spectroscopy, the recoil-isomer tagging technique was employed, using the known 3/2−, T1/2=328 ns isomer. A new rotational band, associated with the unfavored signature band of the 1h9/2⊕2f7/2 proton-intruder configuration, was revealed. A previously unknown, high-spin isomeric state with an excitation energy of 1743(17) keV and T1/2=2.16(8)µs was discovered. Five decay paths were identified, some of them feeding previously unknown non-yrast excited states, associated with the 1i13/2 proton-intruder configuration. Calculations based on the particle-pl…

γdecay of excited states in198Rnidentified using correlated radioactive decay

The low-lying level structure of the neutron-deficient isotope ${}^{198}\mathrm{Rn}$ has been studied for the first time, using the ${}^{166}\mathrm{Er}{(}^{36}\mathrm{Ar},4n)$ reaction at a beam energy of 175 MeV. Evaporation residues were selected using an in-flight gas-filled separator, RITU, and implanted at the focal plane into a 16-element position-sensitive, passivated ion-implanted planar silicon detector. Prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays in ${}^{198}\mathrm{Rn}$ were observed at the target position using the JUROSPHERE array of 24 Compton-suppressed germanium detectors, and were identified by the subsequent radioactive decay of associated recoiling ions in the silicon detector. Is…

Low-lying excited states in the neutron-deficient isotopes163Os and165Os

Excited states in the neutron-deficient isotopes Os-163 and Os-165 were identified using the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator. The Os-163 and Os-165 nuclei were populated via the Cd-106(Ni-60,3n) and Mo-92(Kr-78,2p3n) reactions at bombarding energies of 270 MeV and 357 MeV, respectively. Gamma-ray emissions from these nuclei have been established unambiguously using the recoil-decay tagging technique and a coincidence analysis has allowed level schemes to be established. These results suggest that the yrast states are based upon negative-parity configurations originating from the f(7/2) and h(9/2) orbitals.

Shears Mechanism in theA∼110Region

Lifetimes of states in a rotational-like $M1$ band in ${}^{110}\mathrm{Cd}$ have been determined through a Doppler-shift attenuation method measurement performed with the Gammasphere array. The deduced $B(M1)$ values, which agree well with the predictions of the tilted axis cranking model, clearly confirm that it has the character of a shears band. Using a semiclassical scheme of the coupling of two long $j$ vectors we deduce information on the strength and form of the effective interaction between the constituent nucleons. These results are the first definitive evidence of the shears mechanism and ``magnetic rotation'' in this mass region.

First observation of excited states inPo192

\ensuremath{\gamma} rays following the $^{160}\mathrm{Dy}$${(}^{36}$Ar,4n${)}^{192}$Po reaction have been identified by employing a high-transmission gas-filled separator in recoil decay tagging measurements. The deduced level scheme reveals a flattening of the energy systematics, when going towards the neutron midshell indicating that the deformed intruder structures have become yrast. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.

Rotational features of vibrator nucleus118Te

High-spin states in ${}^{118}\mathrm{Te}$ have been populated via heavy-ion induced reactions. Excited states were observed up to $I=32\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$ and, in addition to irregular level sequences, several bands were identified for the first time. The decoupled negative parity bands based upon ${7}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${8}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states are interpreted to arise from the proton ${h}_{11/2}{g}_{7/2}$ configuration coupled to the $2p\ensuremath{-}2h$ intruder states in ${}^{116}\mathrm{Sn}.$ These bands show very smooth alignment behavior, in accordance with the proton ${h}_{11/2}$ bands in neighboring Sb and I nuclei. Above $I=20$ the yrast positive parity band is built on t…

Identification of excited states in 107,52Te55

Excited states in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleus 107Te have been identified from two separate experiments using the recoil-decay tagging technique. Two connected structures were observed on the basis of γγ-coincidence relations and tentatively assigned as built on the mixed-parentage νg7/2d5/2 and νh11/2 intruder configurations. The observed structures were compared with large-scale shell-model calculations and total Routhian surface calculations. Collective behavior was discovered to persist in the νh11/2 band of 107Te which highlights the shape-polarizing effect of a single valence neutron occupying the h11/2 intruder orbit as the N=50 shell closure is approached. peerReviewed

Discovery of the proton emitting nucleus $^{159}$Re

Fund. para Cienc. Tecnol., FCT, Minist. Cienc. Tecnol.;Fundacao Calouste Gulbenkian;Fundacao Luso-Americana

Shape coexistence at the proton drip-line: First identification of excited states in 180Pb

Excited states in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleus, 180Pb, have been identified for the first time using the JUROGAM II array in conjunction with the RITU recoil separator at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla. This study lies at the limit of what is presently achievable with in-beam spectroscopy, with an estimated cross-section of only 10 nb for the 92Mo(90Zr,2n)180Pb reaction. A continuation of the trend observed in 182Pb and 184Pb is seen, where the prolate minimum continues to rise beyond the N=104 mid-shell with respect to the spherical ground state. Beyond mean-field calculations are in reasonable correspondence with the trends deduced from experiment.

Identification of low-lying proton-based intruder states in189–193Pb

Low-lying proton-based intruder states have been observed in the odd-mass isotopes Pb-189,Pb-191,Pb-193 in experiments at the RITU gas-filled recoil separator. The identification has been performed ...

Spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient nuclide 171Pt

A number of previously unobserved gamma-rays emitted from the neutron-deficient nuclide Pt-171 have been identified using the recoil decay tagging technique. The level scheme has been updated using ...

Excited states in the proton-unbound nuclide Ta-158

Excited states in the neutron-deficient odd-odd proton-unbound nuclide $^{158}\mathrm{Ta}$ have been investigated in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, $^{166}\mathrm{Ir}$ nuclei were produced in the reactions of 380 MeV $^{78}\mathrm{Kr}$ ions with an isotopically enriched $^{92}\mathrm{Mo}$ target. The $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay chain of the ${9}^{+}$ state in $^{166}\mathrm{Ir}$ was analyzed. Fine structure in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay of the ${9}^{+}$ state in $^{162}\mathrm{Re}$ established a 66 keV difference in excitation energy between the lowest-lying ${9}^{+}$ and ${10}^{+}$ states in $^{158}\mathrm{Ta}$. Higher-lying states in $^{158}\mathrm{Ta}$ were popul…

Decay spectroscopy of 171,172Os and 171,172,174Ir

We report on a study of the α-decay fine structure and the associated Eα−Eγ correlations in the decays of 171,172Os and 171,172,174Ir. In total, 13 new α-decay energy lines have been resolved, and three new γ-ray transitions have been observed following the new decay branches to 168Re and 167W. The weak α-decay branch from the bandhead of the νi13/2 band in 171Os observed in this work highlights an unusual competition between α, β, and electromagnetic decays from this isomeric state. The nucleus 171Os is therefore one of few nuclei observed to exhibit three different decay modes from the same excited state. The nuclei of interest were produced in 92Mo(83Kr,xpyn) fusion-evaporation reactions…

Observation ofK=1/2octupole deformed bands in227Th

High-spin states in 227Th have been populated using the reaction 226Ra(α,3n)227Th at a bombarding energy of 33 MeV. The high-spin rotational structures of this nucleus have been refined and extended. In addition, the linking of these structures with the low-spin states known from 231U α decay has allowed a comprehensive decay scheme of this nucleus to be assembled for the first time. Four previously known rotational bands are interpreted as Coriolis coupled Kπ=1/2+ and Kπ=1/2− bands, in agreement with predictions using a reflection-asymmetric mean field approach. The determination of decoupling parameters for these bands is consistent with the a(Kπ=1/2+)=−a(Kπ=1/2−) rigid octupole rotor exp…

Alpha decay studies of translead nuclei at the proton drip line

Extensive α-decay studies of the very neutron deficient isotopes 191Po, 195Rn, and 196Rn have been performed at the RITU gas-filled recoil separator. The recoil-α–(α) correlation technique and the α–γ coincidence technique have been utilized to unambiguously connect the observed α-decays to proper nuclei. Illustrative examples on how the α-decay can yield spectroscopic information on the nuclei studied will be presented. peerReviewed

Mass-140 isomers near the proton dripline

An experiment has been performed in Jyvaskyla, Finland, using Jurogam in conjunction with RITU and GREAT. This experiment populated several extremely neutron-deficient nuclei around the mass-140 region of the nuclei chart, using the 92Mo(54Fe, α2n) reaction at 245 MeV. Analysis of these data has revealed several previously unobserved isomeric states, in several nuclei. One of these has been assigned to 143Dy with a half-life of 1.2 ± 0.3 µs. The energies of the prompt γ rays in the band built upon the isomer are in agreement with those previously observed.

Investigations into the alpha-decay of 195At

The low-energy nuclear structure and decay properties of the neutron-deficient isotopes 195At and 191Bi have been studied. 195At was produced in the reaction 142Nd(56Fe,p2n)195At and 191Bi as the daughter activity of 195At. The activities were implanted in a position-sensitive silicon detector after being separated from the primary beam by a gas-filled recoil separator. The 1/2+ intruder state was determined to be the ground state in 195At with an alpha-decay energy of E α = 6953(3) keV and a half-life T 1/2 = 328(20) ms. Another state with an alpha-decay energy E α = 7075(4) keV and a half-life T 1/2 = 147(5) ms was found to decay to a 148.7(5) keV excited state in 191Bi for which a spin a…

Properties of the 13/2+ isomeric decay in201Hg

The isomeric decay of theT1/2=94 us isomeric state in201Hg was studied in beam via the reaction198Pt(α, n). Gamma-ray and conversion-electron spectra were recorded. From the conversion coefficients, the multipolarities of the two depopulating transitions were determined to beM 2 + 10%E 3 andE 2, respectively. These assignments give the depopulating transitions to be 13/2+ → 9/2− and 9/2− → 5/2−, and these thus substantiate the previous suggestion that the isomeric state hasJπ=13/2+. For the 13/2+ → 9/2−M 2 transition a detailed study ofE 3 andM 4 admixed amplitudes was done. The microscopic properties of the 13/2+ and 9/2− states are discussed, and a comparison to the corresponding ones in1…

Study of high spins in $^{173}$Os

High-spin states in 173Os have been studied by γγ-coincidence measurements following the 146Nd(32S, 5n)173Os reaction. Additional information has also been extracted from the reaction 144Sm(32S, 2pn)173Os. Four main sequencies have been identified as the two signature branches of the bands built on the [642]52+ and [523]52− Nilsson states. The band features have been analysed within the framework of the cranked shell model. The positive-parity band provides evidence for a v(i132)2 crossing at low frequency and a π(h112)2 and/or π(h92)2 cross In the negative-parity band the upbend starts at relatively low frequency indicating, presumably, an early v(i132)2 alignment. There is evidence for an…

A charge plunger device to measure the lifetimes of excited nuclear states where transitions are dominated by internal conversion

A charge plunger device has been commissioned based on the DPUNS plunger (Taylor et al., 2013) using the in-flight mass separator MARA at the University of Jyväskylä. The 152Sm(32S,4n)180Pt reaction was used to populate excited states in 180Pt. A lifetime measurement of the 21+ state was performed by applying the charge plunger technique, which relies on the detection of the charge state-distribution of recoils rather than the detection of the emitted γ rays. This state was a good candidate to test the charge plunger technique as it has a known lifetime and depopulates through a converted transition that competes strongly with γ-ray emission. The lifetime of the 21+ state was measured to be…

Characteristics of segmented super clover detector in close geometry decay measurements

Characteristics of the segmented Super Clover germanium detector response in close geometries have been studied. Results obtained with localising hit pattern recognition are compared with results from add-back and individual crystal analysis. The detector has been used at the focal plane of a gas filled recoil separator to detect isomeric gamma-rays from the nuclei produced in the 150Sm(42Ca,4n)188Pb reaction. Coincidence data from the detector was analysed and the level scheme below the 1.2 μ s isomeric state in 188Pb could be deduced. peerReviewed

Evidence for band termination in118Xe

The yrast band of Xe118 has been extended up to tentatively I-pi = 34+ in a heavy-ion in-beam gamma-spectroscopic study using the NORDBALL detector array. A band crossing is observed at the highest ...

Decay studies ofAu170,171,Hg171–173, andTl176

The $^{170,171}\mathrm{Au}$ isotopes were produced in the fusion-evaporation reaction of a $^{78}\mathrm{Kr}$ ion beam with a $^{96}\mathrm{Ru}$ target. For $^{170}\mathrm{Au}$ the proton and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ emission from the ground state were observed for the first time and the decay of the isomeric state was measured with improved accuracy. In addition, the decay of $^{171}\mathrm{Au}$ was measured with high statistics. A new $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-emitting nucleus $^{171}\mathrm{Hg}$ and the previously known $^{172}\mathrm{Hg}$ and $^{167,168,169,170}\mathrm{Pt}$ isotopes were also studied. The ground-state proton emission was identified for a new proton emitter $^{176}\mathrm{Tl}$ …

New interpretation of shape coexistence in99Zr

Levels in ${}^{99}\mathrm{Zr}$ populated by $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of on-line mass separated ${}^{99}$Y have been studied by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopic methods, including $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidences recorded with an array of ten Ge detectors and level-lifetime measurements. The formerly reported strongly collective character of the 53-keV transition turns out to be questionable. This implies a revision of the experimental evidence for shape coexistence in ${}^{99}\mathrm{Zr}.$ Transition rates and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray branching ratios make a new level at 679 keV with ${t}_{1/2}=9$ ns another candidate for a deformed state.

In-beam study of 254No

Excited states of the Z = 102 nuclide 254No have been studied in the reaction 208Pb(48Ca,2n) by means of in-beam γ -ray spectroscopy in combination with recoil gating and recoil decay tagging. A Ge detector array, consisting of four clover detectors, and a gas-filled separator were used. Six γ-ray lines were observed and associated with E2 transitions in the ground state band of 254No, the highest-lying of these being the 16+→ 14+ transition. Based on global systematics and the extrapolated 2+ 1 excitation energy, the value β2= 0.27 ± 0.03 was extracted for the quadrupole deformation. An improved value for the half-life of 254No, T1/2= (48 ± 3) s, was determined.

Lifetime measurements of excited states in $^{163}$W and the implications for the anomalous B(E2) ratios in transitional nuclei

Grahn, Tuomas/0000-0002-6255-2279; Herzan, Andrej/0000-0002-6736-7638; Cullen, Dave/0000-0002-0041-1606; Barber, Liam/0000-0002-7409-9352; Keatings, James Michael/0000-0003-4271-8021; SAYGI, BAHADIR/0000-0001-5406-506X; Greenlees, Paul/0000-0002-5986-5274; Spagnoletti, Pietro/0000-0002-7674-989X; Parr, Edward/0000-0001-6204-4461; Bondili, S Nara Singh/0000-0002-4096-2429

Identification of theKπ=8−rotational band in138Gd

A ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}{=8}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collective rotational band has been established upon the 6 $\ensuremath{\mu}$s isomeric state in the very neutron-deficient nucleus ${}^{138}\mathrm{Gd}.$ The band was observed using a technique involving the correlation of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions across the isomeric state. The single-particle configuration of the isomer has been deduced from the $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=2$ to $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=1$ intensity branching ratios. In addition, a series of other $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions were observed which are reasoned to be part of a higher-lying four quasiparticle structure which decays through the ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}…

Coexisting structures in 115Sn and 116Sn

Abstract Excited states up to I ≈ 20 in 115 Sn and 116 Sn, populated via the ( 18 O, αxn) reactions, have been studied using the DORIS Ge detector array in conjunction with charged particle detectors. In both nuclei, spherical as well as regular, deformed level structures were found. The spherical states are interpreted to arise from pure neutron configurations, while the deformed, intruder bands obviously involve proton 2p-2h excitations across the Z = 50 shell gap.

Shape coexistence in183Tl

Identification of Excited States in theTz=1NucleusXe110: Evidence for Enhanced Collectivity near theN=Z=50Double Shell Closure

Gamma-ray transitions have been identified for the first time in the extremely neutron-deficient (N=Z+2) nucleus {sup 110}Xe, and the energies of the three lowest excited states in the ground-state band have been deduced. The results establish a breaking of the normal trend of increasing first excited 2{sup +} and 4{sup +} level energies as a function of the decreasing neutron number as the N=50 major shell gap is approached for the neutron-deficient Xe isotopes. This unusual feature is suggested to be an effect of enhanced collectivity, possibly arising from isoscalar n-p interactions becoming increasingly important close to the N=Z line.

Maximally aligned states in $^{99}$Ag

Excited states of Ag-99 were populated via the Cr-50 + Ni-58 (261 MeV) reaction using the NORDBALL detector array equipped with charged-particle and neutron. detector systems for reaction channel separation. On the basis of the measured gammagamma-coincidence relations and angular distribution ratios a significantly extended level scheme has been constructed up to E-x similar to 7.8 MeV and I = 35/2. The experimental results were described within the framework of the shell model. Candidates for states fully aligned in the pig(9/2)(-3)nu(d(5/2),g(7/2))(2) valence configuration space were found at 4109 and 6265 keV.

Experimental investigation of the 02+ band in Sm154 as a β-vibrational band

Abstract A study of Sm 154 through γ -ray and internal conversion electron coincidence measurements was performed using the Silicon And GErmanium spectrometer (SAGE). An upper limit for the ρ 2 ( E 0 ; 2 2 + → 2 1 + ) and measurement of the ρ 2 ( E 0 ; 4 2 + → 4 1 + ) monopole transitions strengths were determined. The extracted transition strength for each is significantly lower than that predicted by either the Bohr and Mottelson β -vibration description or the interacting boson model. Hence, the long standing interpretation of these states as a collective band built on the 0 2 + state, which is conventionally assigned as a Bohr and Mottelson β vibration is questionable.

Probing structural changes in the very neutron-deficient Os isotopes with recoil-decay tagging

In recent years, the exploitation of the iecoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique with,large arrays of germanium detectors has revealed much information about the structure of heavy nuclei approaching the proton drip line. The yrast bands of the N <= 93 osmium isotopes have been identified in a campaign of tagging experiments using various spectrometer arrays coupled to the RITU gas-filled separator based at the University of Jyvaskyla. Trends in the yrast state excitation energies have indicated a transition from gamma-soft triaxial to near-spherical shapes with decreasing neutron number. Recent experimental results for Os-162 obtained with the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers also indicate the…

Collectivity in ‘‘spherical’’Eu143,144nuclei

Long cascades of stretched E2 transitions have been observed in $^{143}\mathrm{Eu}$ and $^{144}\mathrm{Eu}$ nuclei which at low excitation exhibit spherical shape. Lifetime experiments demonstrate high collectivity values up to B(E2)\ensuremath{\approxeq}100 W.u. among these E2 cascades. The total Routhian surface calculations indicate many crossing rotational bands of the nucleus with triaxial shape at ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.25 and \ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\approxeq}30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The E2 cascades in $^{143}\mathrm{Eu}$ are proposed to represent the \ensuremath{\nu}${\mathit{h}}_{11/2}^{2}$\ensuremath{\pi}${\mathit{h}}_{11/2}…

Recoil Isomer Tagging on Proton-Rich Odd–Odd N=77 Isotones 142Tb and 144Ho

The isomeric structure of the N=77 isotones 14265Tb and 14467Ho have been studied with the 92Mo(54Fe, xpn) fusion evaporation reaction at the University of Jyväskylä. The Jurospehere II germanium array was employed in conjunction with the RITU gas filled recoil separator. The feeding and decay of a 500(20) ns isomeric state in 144Ho has been established for the first time together with states built upon the known 15 μs isomer in 142Tb. The behavior of these new structures above the isomers suggest that they are low deformation configurations which display signs of triaxiality. peerReviewed

First observation of excited states in the neutron deficient N = 86 isotones 159Ta and 160W

The γ decays of excited states in the neutron deficient nuclei 159 Ta and 160 W have been identified for the first time. The nuclei of interest were produced in reactions induced by beams of 58 Ni ions at energies of 286 MeV, 291 MeV, and 298 MeV bombarding a 106 Cd target. Prompt γ rays were recorded using the JUROSPHERE spectrometer and were tagged through the subsequent α decays of associated recoil ions measured in a position-sensitive silicon strip detector at the focal plane of the gas-filled separator RITU. Level schemes have been deduced and compared with similar structures observed in neighboring nuclei. peerReviewed

Investigation into the Effects of Deformation on Proton Emission Rates via Lifetime Measurements

Spectroscopy of very neutron-deficient 187,189Bi isotopes

Shape coexistence is well known to occur in nuclei, in particular near closed shells [1], where particle-hole excitations across the shell gap can create deformed intruder states. In the neutron-deficient lead isotopes (Z = 82), deformed structures appear at low excitation energy. The isotope 188Pb [2] shows for example a triple shape coexistence with oblate and prolate excited 0+ states that compete with the spherical ground state. The study of the odd-proton single-particle excitations in Bi isotopes allows to obtain information on the orbitals involved in the different shapes observed in this mass region.

Decays of theY97isomers to the single neutron nucleusZr97

The decays of the 9/2(+) and of the three-quasiparticle high spin isomer in Y-97 have been investigated following on-line mass separation with the ion-guide technique. Spins and parities for several of the lowest-lying levels in the daughter nucleus Zr-97 are revised and configurations are proposed. In particular, the 2264 keV level is identified as the h(11/2) single-neutron level. The population of a cascade on top of the h(11/2) level provides evidence for Gamow-Teller beta decay of the high-spin Y-97 isomer. Levels and transition rates are qualitatively well reproduced by regarding Zr-97 as a single-neutron nucleus with respect to the doubly closed Zr-96 core.

Recoil decay tagging ofγrays in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleusOs162

The neutron-deficient nucleus $^{162}\mathrm{Os}$, produced in the $^{106}\mathrm{Cd}(^{58}\mathrm{Ni},2n)$ reaction, has been studied using the JUROGAM $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT focal plane spectrometer. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions in $^{162}\mathrm{Os}$ have been assigned for the first time through the application of the recoil decay tagging technique. The excitation energy of the ${2}^{+}$ state and the tentative energy of the ${8}^{+}$ state are discussed in terms of the systematic energy trends as the $N=82$ shell gap is approached.

Lifetimes of odd-spin yrast states inHg182

Lifetimes of excited states in $^{182}\mathrm{Hg}$ were extracted from recoil-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra and recoil-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$-coincidence matrices using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. States were populated using the $^{96}\mathrm{Mo}$($^{88}\mathrm{Sr}$,$2n$)$^{182}\mathrm{Hg}$ fusion-evaporation reaction. Measured lifetimes allowed transition probabilities, transition quadrupole moments, quadrupole deformation parameters, and transition dipole moments to be deduced for the band formed by the odd-spin yrast states. The experimental results confirm the low degree of octupole collectivity in this mass region.

Probing structures of exotic heavy nuclei

The JYFL gas-filled recoil separator RITU, combined with Ge detector arrays, has successfully been employed in Recoil-Decay-Tagging (RDT) experiments in order to probe, for the first time, structures of several very neutron deficient heavy nuclei. In this contribution new data for light even-mass Hg, Pb and Po nuclei are shown and discussed. peerReviewed

Nuclear levels in proton-unboundI109: Relative single-particle energies beyond the proton drip line

A level scheme has been constructed for the proton-unbound, T-z=3/2 nuclide I-109(53)56 following a recoil-decay-tagging experiment using the Ni-58(Fe-54, p2n gamma) reaction at a beam energy of 19 ...

The Structure of Heavy Octupole and Superheavy Quadrupole Deformed Nuclei

We report here experimental attempts to determine the sign of the electric dipole moment (relative to the electric octupole moment) in the octupole deformed nucleus 226Ra. Sensitivity to this quantity is observed in the measured yields of γ-ray transitions following very low energy Coulomb excitation. Recent progress is also reported in the development of new spectroscopic techniques that promise to elucidate the structure of deformed superheavy nuclei in the region of 254No. The 4+ → 2+ transition in 254No, as well as higher spin transitions, has been identified using recoil-tagged conversion electron spectroscopy. peerReviewed

Prolate yrast cascade in183Tl

The yrast sequence in ${}^{183}\mathrm{Tl}$ has been studied for the first time in recoil-mass selected \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray spectroscopic measurements. A rotational-like cascade of seven transitions is established down to the band head with probable spin and parity ${(13/2}^{+}).$ Unlike in the adjacent odd-mass Tl nuclei, prompt \ensuremath{\gamma} decay from the yrast band to a lower lying weakly deformed (oblate) structure is not observed. These features are consistent with the predicted drop of the prolate band head in ${}^{183}\mathrm{Tl}$ compared to ${}^{185}\mathrm{Tl}.$ The implications for the prolate energy minimum in odd-mass Tl nuclei at the neutron ${i}_{13/2}$ midshell $(…

Coulomb shifts and shape changes in the mass 70 region

The technique of recoil beta tagging has been developed which allows prompt gamma decays in nuclei from excited states to be correlated with electrons from their subsequent short-lived beta decay. This technique is ideal for studying nuclei very far from stability and improves in sensitivity for very short-lived decays and for high decay Q-values. The method has allowed excited states in 78Y to be observed for the first time, as well as an extension in the knowledge of T=1 states in 74Rb. From this new information it has been possible to compare Coulomb energy differences (CED) between T=1 states in 70Br/70Se, 74Rb/74Kr, and 78Y/78Sr. The A=70 CED exhibit an anomalous behavior which is inco…

Comparison of gamma-ray coincidence and low-background gamma-ray singles spectrometry

Aerosol samples have been studied under different background conditions using gamma-ray coincidence and low-background gamma-ray singles spectrometric techniques with High-Purity Germanium detectors. Conventional low-background gamma-ray singles counting is a competitive technique when compared to the gamma-gamma coincidence approach in elevated background conditions. However, measurement of gamma-gamma coincidences can clearly make the identification of different nuclides more reliable and efficient than using singles spectrometry alone. The optimum solution would be a low-background counting station capable of both singles and gamma-gamma coincidence spectrometry.

Spectroscopy of proton-rich 66^Se up to J^{\pi} = 6^+: isospin-breaking effect in the A = 66 isobaric triplet

Candidates for three excited states in the 66^Se have been identified using the recoil-{\beta} tagging method together with a veto detector for charged-particle evaporation channels. These results allow a comparison of mirror and triplet energy differences between analogue states across the A = 66 triplet as a function of angular momentum. The extracted triplet energy differences follow the negative trend observed in the f_7/2 shell. Shell-model calculations indicate a continued need for an additional isospin non-conserving interaction in addition to the Coulomb isotensor part as a function of mass.

High K bands in mid-supershell nuclei

The spectrum of prompt conversion electrons emitted by excited 254No nuclei has been measured, revealing discrete lines arising from transitions within the ground state band. A striking feature is a broad distribution that peaks near 100 keV and comprises high multiplicity electron cascades, probably originating from M1 transitions within rotational bands built on high K states. Evidence for the existence of isomeric states in 254No is presented. peerReviewed

Evidence for enhanced collectivity in Te-I-Xe nuclei near the N = Z = 50 double shell closure

Gamma‐ray transitions have been identified for the first time in the extremely neutron‐deficient Tz = 1 nuclide 110Xe and the energies of the three lowest excited states in the ground‐state band have been deduced. A level scheme has also been constructed for the proton‐unbound, Tz = 3/2 nuclide 109I, exhibiting band structures built on g7/2 and h11/2 states in a weakly deformed, triaxial nucleus. In addition, a third band is proposed to be built on a g7/2 orbital coupled to an octupole‐vibrational phonon of the 108Te core. The results were obtained in a recoil‐decay tagging experiment using the 58Ni(54Fe,2n/p2n) reaction at a beam energy of 195 MeV. The experiment was performed using the hi…

Isomer spectroscopy in254No

Isomeric states in No-254 were investigated using a calorimetric method. Two different isomers were found with half-lives of T-1/2 = 266 +/- 2 ms and T-1/2 = 184 +/- 3 mu s, respectively. The domin ...

Low-lying shears bands in very light odd—odd Bi isotopes

The concept of magnetic rotation in nuclei was introduced to explain the observed regular bands with enhanced M1 transitions and weak or absent E2 crossover transitions in nearly spherical nuclei around 198Pb [1]. These bands can be described by the coupling of high-j proton and neutron configurations to a total spin tilted at an angle of ~ 45° with respect to the symmetry axis. As the proton and neutron spins align with increasing excitation energy, a sequence of ΔI = 1 levels of fixed parity (“shears band”) is formed [2].

Bandcrossings in 171Os

The nucleus Os-171 has been populated using the reaction Sn-116(Ni-58,2pn). Four new bands are identified, and the previously known bands are extended in spin, to a maximum of 53/2 (h) over bar. On ...

Band-terminating states in 101Ag

Excited states of the neutron deficient Ag-101 nucleus have been investigated via the Cr-50(Ni-58, 3rho1alpha) heavy-ion induced reaction at 261 meV by use of in-beam spectroscopic methods. On the basis of the measured gammagamma-cincidence relations and angular distribution ratios high-spin bands have been extended up to I-pi = 35/2(+), 45/2((-)) and (49/2(-)). The negative parity states at the highest energy have been interpreted as terminating non-collective oblate states in the framework of the Nilsson-Strutinsky cranking formalism.

In-beam γ-ray and electron spectroscopy of Md249,251

The odd-Z 251Md nucleus was studied using combined γ-ray and conversion-electron in-beam spectroscopy. Besides the previously observed rotational band based on the [521]1/2− configuration, another rotational structure has been identified using γ−γ coincidences. The use of electron spectroscopy allowed the rotational bands to be observed over a larger rotational frequency range. Using the transition intensities that depend on the gyromagnetic factor, a [514]7/2− single-particle configuration has been inferred for this band, i.e., the ground-state band. A physical background that dominates the electron spectrum with an intensity of ≃60% was well reproduced by simulating a set of unresolved ex…

Spectroscopy of Kr 70 and isospin symmetry in the T=1 fpg shell nuclei SPECTROSCOPY of Kr 70 and ISOSPIN SYMMETRY ... D. M. DEBENHAM et al.

The recoil-β tagging technique has been used in conjunction with the Ca40(S32,2n) reaction at a beam energy of 88 MeV to identify transitions associated with the decay of the 2+ and, tentatively, 4+ states in the nucleus Kr70. These data are used, along with previously published data, to examine the triplet energy differences (TED) for the mass 70 isobars. The experimental TED values are compared with shell model calculations, performed with the JUN45 interaction in the fpg model space, that include a J=0 isospin nonconserving (INC) interaction with an isotensor strength of 100 keV. The agreement is found to be very good up to spin 4 and supports the expectation for analog states that all t…

Evidence against the wobbling nature of low-spin bands in 135Pr

International audience; The electromagnetic character of the ΔI=1 transitions connecting the 1- to 0-phonon and the 2- to 1-phonon wobbling bands should be dominated by an E2 component, due to the collective motion of the entire nuclear charge. In the present work it is shown, based on combined angular correlation and linear polarization measurements, that the mixing ratios of all analyzed connecting transitions between low-lying bands in 135Pr interpreted as 0-, 1-, and 2-phonon wobbling bands, have absolute values smaller than one. This indicates predominant M1 magnetic character, which is incompatible with the proposed wobbling nature. All experimental observables are instead in good agr…

In-beam spectroscopic study of $^{244}$Cf

The ground-state rotational band of the neutron-deficient californium ( Z = 98 ) isotope 244 Cf was identified for the first time and measured up to a tentative spin and parity of I π = 20 + . The observation of the rotational band indicates that the nucleus is deformed. The kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia were deduced from the measured γ -ray transition energies. The behavior of the dynamic moment of inertia revealed an up-bend due to a possible alignment of coupled nucleons in high- j orbitals starting at a rotational frequency of about ℏ ω = 0.20 MeV . The results were compared with the systematic behavior of the even-even N = 146 isotones as well as with available theoretical c…

Tilted precession bands in $^{135}$Nd

International audience; Two new excited bands built on the πh11/2 configuration have been identified in Nd135 in addition to the known πh11/2 band. The energy spectra of the excited bands and the available electromagnetic transition probabilities are in good agreement with theoretical results obtained using quasiparticle-plus-triaxial-rotor model calculations. The properties of the bands identify them as tilted precession bands instead of wobbling bands. Our results give a new insight into the interpretation of the low-lying bands in odd-A mass nuclei, and can stimulate future studies to address the nuclear triaxiality.

Spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient isobars 163 Re and 163 W using tagging techniques

Bozok University;Erciyes University;et al.;Istanbul University;Nigde University;The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK)

Experimental observation of the M1 scissors mode in $^{254}No$

Physics letters / B 834, 137479 (2022). doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2022.137479

Isomeric states in proton-unbound 187, 189Bi isotopes

Prompt and delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy of very neutron-deficient bismuth isotopes 187, 189Bi has been performed using the Recoil Decay Tagging (RTD) method. The isomeric i 13/2 states have been identified and their lifetimes have been measured. The systematics of these long-lived M2 isomers has been extended to the proton-unbound isotopes. The general behaviour of single-proton states is discussed within the systematics and interpreted within the shell-model framework.

Recent applications of the JYFL gas-filled recoil separator

Abstract The gas-filled recoil separator RITU at the Department of Physics, University of Jyvaskyla (JYFL) was constructed in 1992–1993, and the first experiments were performed in late 1993. RITU differs from other gas-filled separators by having a vertically focusing quadrupole magnet in front of the separating dipole for better matching with the dipole acceptance. New results from RITU include the discovery of 13 previously unpublished isotopes of At, Rn, Fr, Ra, Ac and Th, while experiments in the transuranium region have also been made. Illustrative examples from these studies together with results on background properties, efficiency of separation, and other performance data will be p…

Search for fingerprints of tetrahedral symmetry in 156gd

Theoretical predictions suggest the presence of tetrahedral symmetry as an explanation for the vanishing intra-band E2 transitions at the bottom of the odd-spin negative-parity band in 156Gd. The present study reports on experiment performed to address this phenomenon. It allowed to remove certain ambiguouities related to the intra-band E2 transitions in the negative-parity bands, to determine the new inter-band transitions and reduced probability ratios B(E2)/B(E1) and, for the first time, to determine the experimental uncertainties related to the latter observable. peerReviewed

De-excitation of the strongly coupled band in Au177 and implications for core intruder configurations in the light Hg isotopes

Excited states in the proton-unbound nuclide $^{177}$Au were populated in the $^92}$Mo($^{88}$Sr, p2n) reaction and identified using the Jurogam-II and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator at the University of Jyvaskyla Accelerator Laboratory. A strongly coupled band and its decay path to the 11/2−α-decaying isomer have been identified using recoil-decay tagging. Comparisons with cranked Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) calculations based on Skyrme energy functionals suggest that the band has a prolate deformation and is based upon coupling the odd 1h11/2 proton hole to the excited 02+ configuration in the $^{178}$Hg core. Although these configurations might be…

Coexistence of collective and quasiparticle structures in 106, 108Sn nuclei

New revels in two neutron deficient nuclei Sn-106.108 have been found by using the Nordball detector array extended with the arrangements of charged particle and neutron detectors. The excited stru ...

Evidence for octupole collectivity in 172Pt

Excited states in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleus 172Pt were populated via 96Ru(78Kr,2p) and 92Mo(83Kr,3n) reactions. The level scheme has been extended up to an excitation energy of  ~ 5 MeV and tentative spin-parity assignments up to Iπ = 18+. Linear polarization and angular distribution measurements were used to determine the electromagnetic E1 character of the dipole transitions connecting the positive-parity ground-state band with an excited side-band, firmly establishing it as a negative-parity band. The lowest member of this negative-parity structure was firmly assigned spin-parity 3-. In addition, we observed an E3 transition from this 3- state to the ground state, providing…

Studies of 225,226U alpha decay chains

Studies of 225,226U α -decay chains produced via heavy ion induced fusion reactions of 22Ne + 208Pb → 230U and of 18O + 208Pb → 226Th were carried out using the JYFL gas-filled magnetic recoil separator RITU. The data obtained for α -decays of 225,226U, 221,222Th, 218Ra and 213Rn concerning their α -particle energies, half-lives and α -decay fine structures are compared to previous investigations. peerReviewed

Discovery of 157W and 161Os

The nuclides W-157 and Os-161 have been discovered ill reactions of Ni-58 ion beams with a Cd-106 target. The Os-161 alpha-decay energy and half-life were 6890 +/- 12 keV and 640 +/- 60 mu s. The d ...

Lifetime measurements of excited states in W-162 and W-164 and the evolution of collectivity in rare-earth nuclei

WOS: 000400140500006

Decay and in-beam studies of neutron-deficient Po and Ra isotopes at JYFL

An extensive program to study the production, decay properties, and nuclear structure of very neutron-deficient polonium and radium nuclei is underway at the Department of Physics, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland (JYFL). The main tools used in these studies are the gas-filled recoil separator RITU and various germanium gamma-ray arrays. In the course of these studies, among others the following new isotopes have been produced: Ra-204, Ra-203, and Ra-202. Isomeric alpha decaying states have been discovered in Ra-203 and Po-191. Fine structure in the decay of Po-192 to the oblate and prolate band heads in Pb-188 has been observed. In-beam gamma-ray spectra have been, for the first time, meas…

Signature inversion in 120Cs: Evidence for a residual pn interaction

Abstract High-spin states have been observed in the odd-odd isotope 120Cs in 32S-induced reactions. The previously known band is extended to higher spin and several new bands are identified. Band-head configurations have been inferred by comparing the band properties with known bands in the odd nuclei 121Cs and 121Ba. A remarkable signature inversion is observed in the π h 11 2 ⊗ν h 11 2

Combined in-beam electron andγ-ray spectroscopy ofHg184,186

By exploiting the SAGE spectrometer a simultaneous measurement of conversion electrons and {gamma} rays emitted in the de-excitation of excited levels in the neutron-deficient nuclei {sup 184,186}Hg was performed. The light Hg isotopes under investigation were produced using the 4n channels of the fusion-evaporation reactions of {sup 40}Ar and {sup 148,150}Sm. The measured K- and L-conversion electron ratios confirmed the stretched E2 nature of several transitions of the yrast bands in {sup 184,186}Hg. Additional information on the E0 component of the 2{sub 2}{sup +}{yields}2{sub 1}{sup +} transition in {sup 186}Hg was obtained.

Access to Gamma-ray Spectroscopy of Neutron-Rich sdfp Shell Nuclei

γ-rays in neutron-rich sdfp shell nuclei, produced in deep-inelastic processes during collisions of 37Cl and 40Ar ions on 208Pb and of 48Ca ions on 48Ca, have been studied using large Ge multidetector arrays. Candidates for new yrast states in heavy argon and sulfur isotopes have been identified.

High spin states of120Ba

The very neutron deficient nucleus120Ba has been investigated in a high-spin γ-spectroscopic study. The yrast band of120Ba is extended up to spin 22ħ and one tentatively assigned negative-parity side band is observed up to spin 15ħ. The experimental results are compared with Total Routhian Surface calculations.

Spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient nucleusOs16791

Excited states of the nucleus Os-167 have been populated by the reaction Mo-92(Kr-78,2pn). The JUROGAM gamma-ray detector array has been used in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT spectrometer to observe prompt gamma rays in coincidence with recoiling fusion-evaporation residues and their subsequent decay by alpha particle emission. By correlating prompt gamma radiation with the characteristic alpha radioactivity of Os-167, it has been possible to extend the level scheme for this nucleus significantly. In particular, an extension of the yrast band and four previously unobserved bands are reported. In addition, the recoil distance Doppler-shift method was used to de…

Identification of sub- μs isomeric states in the odd-odd nucleus Au178

The neutron-deficient gold (Z=79) isotopes in the vicinity of the neutron midshell N=104 provide prolific examples of shape coexistence and isomerism at low excitation energy. They can be probed via a number of different experimental techniques. In this study, two new isomeric states with half-lives of 294(7) and 373(9) ns have been observed in the neutron-deficient odd-odd nuclide Au178 (N=99) in an experiment at the RITU gas-filled separator at JYFL, Jyvaskyla. This result was achieved due to the use of a segmented planar germanium detector with a high efficiency at low energies. By applying the recoil-decay tagging technique, they were assigned to decay to two different long-lived α-deca…

Shape coexistence in 117I

The 117I nucleus has been investigated in a high-spin gamma-spectroscopic study using the NORDBALL detector array. The observed level structures are interpreted as resulting from coexisting collect ...

Probing the limit of nuclear existence: Proton emission from 159Re

WOS: 000240847400007

Confirming band assignments in $^{167}$ytterbium with gamma-gamma-electron triple-coincidence spectroscopy

International audience; Multipolarity measurements are presented for transitions in the deformed odd-mass nucleus$^{167}$ Yb in support of tentative spin assignments and level interpretations based upon the cranked-Nilsson model. Internal-conversion coefficients were measured with the SAGE (Silicon And GErmanium) spectrometer confirming several E2 transition assignments. The array of high-purity germanium detectors enabled the recording of high-multiplicity events from which $\gamma\gamma\gamma$ and $\gamma\gamma e^{-}$ data sets were extracted and the technique of high-fold $\gamma$ -ray gating was demonstrated to cleanly isolate transitions of interest.

Precision measurements of proton emission from the ground states ofTa156andRe160

The decays of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{d}_{3/2}$ ground states of $^{156}\mathrm{Ta}$ and $^{160}\mathrm{Re}$ have been studied in detail using the GREAT spectrometer. More than 7000 $^{160}\mathrm{Re}$ nuclei were produced in reactions of 290- and 300-MeV $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ ions with an isotopically enriched $^{106}\mathrm{Cd}$ target and separated in flight using the RITU separator. The proton and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{d}_{3/2}$ level were confirmed and the half-life and branching ratios of this state were determined with improved precision to be ${t}_{1/2}=611\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7$ $\ensuremath{\mu}$s and ${b}_{\mathrm{p}}=89\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi…

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of 190Po: First observation of a low-lying prolate band in Po isotopes

Gamma rays from excited states of 190Po have been observed using the Jurosphere Ge-detector array coupled to the RITU gas-filled separator. They were associated with a collective band which from spin 4 onwards resembles the prolate rotational bands known in the isotones 188Pb and 186Hg. This indicates that in 190Po the prolate configuration becomes yrast above I = 2. The experimental results are interpreted in a two-band mixing calculation and are in agreement with α-decay data and potential energy surface calculations.

Shell-Structure and Pairing Interaction in Superheavy Nuclei: Rotational Properties of theZ=104NucleusRf256

The rotational band structure of the $Z=104$ nucleus $^{256}\mathrm{Rf}$ has been observed up to a tentative spin of $20\ensuremath{\hbar}$ using state-of-the-art $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopic techniques. This represents the first such measurement in a superheavy nucleus whose stability is entirely derived from the shell-correction energy. The observed rotational properties are compared to those of neighboring nuclei and it is shown that the kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia are sensitive to the underlying single-particle shell structure and the specific location of high-$j$ orbitals. The moments of inertia therefore provide a sensitive test of shell structure and pairing i…

Lifetimes of intruder states in 186Pb, 188Pb and 194Po

Abstract Lifetimes of prolate intruder states in 186Pb and 188Pb and oblate intruder states in 194Po have been determined through recoil distance Doppler-shift lifetime measurements. Deformation parameters of | β 2 | = 0.29 ( 5 ) and | β 2 | = 0.17(3) have been extracted from experimental B ( E 2 ) values for the prolate and the oblate bands, respectively. The present study addresses the phenomenon of shape coexistence typical for the nuclei near Z = 82 and N = 104 , providing information on configuration mixing of intrinsic structures of the nuclei of interest. The results are compared with the available lifetime data and theoretical results for neutron-deficient Po, Pb, Hg and Pt nuclei. …

First observation of gamma-rays from the proton emitter 171Au

Gamma-rays from the alpha- and proton-unstable nuclide 171Au have been observed for the first time. The gamma-rays were correlated with both a proton- and an alpha-particle decay branch, confirming that the nucleus decays by alpha and proton emission from a single (11/2-) state. The measurement confirms the previously determined half-lives for these particle decays but the present values are of higher precision. In addition, a longer half-life than determined in previous work was measured for the proton-unstable tentative ground state. The results are discussed in relation to structures in neighbouring nuclei and compared with a Strutinsky-type TRS calculation.

First observation of excited states in $^{197}$At: the onset of deformation in neutron-deficient astatine nuclei

Excited states in the Z= 85 nucleus 197At have been identified for the first time using the recoil-decay-tagging (RDT) technique. The excitation energy of these states is found to be consistent with the systematics of neutron-deficient astatine nuclei and with theoretical calculations indicating that the nucleus may be deformed in its ground state.

First evidence for excited states inIn101

The first evidence for excited states in In-101 is presented. In-101 is the lightest In isotope observed in an in-beam experiment. Two gamma-ray transitions at 1309 and 341 keV, respectively, are s ...

γ-ray spectroscopy approaching the limits of existence of atomic nuclei: A study of the excited states ofPt168andPt169

Excited states in the $N=90$ and $N=91$ Pt nuclei have been investigated using the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator. These nuclei were populated via the reactions $^{92}\mathrm{Mo}(^{78}\mathrm{Kr},2n)$ and $^{94}\mathrm{Mo}(^{78}\mathrm{Kr},3n)$ at 335 and 348 MeV, respectively. The recoil-decay tagging technique has been used to correlate prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ radiation with the characteristic $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays of $^{168}\mathrm{Pt}$ and $^{169}\mathrm{Pt}$. A $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ analysis has allowed a level scheme for $^{168}\mathrm{Pt}$ to be reported for the first time and the l…

α decay studies of the nuclidesU218andU219

Very neutron deficient uranium isotopes were produced in fusion evaporation reactions using $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ ions on $^{182}\mathrm{W}$ targets. The gas-filled recoil separator RITU was employed to collect the fusion products and to separate them from the scattered beam and other reaction products. The activities were implanted into a position sensitive silicon detector after passing through a gas-counter system. The isotopes were identified using spatial and time correlations between the implants and the decays. Two $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decaying states, with ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=(8612\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9)$ keV and ${T}_{1/2}=(0.{51}_{\ensuremath{-}0.10}^{+0.17})$ ms for t…

Investigation of 246Fm : in-beam spectroscopy at the limits\u2028

Recent developments at the RITU focal plane

Several technical developments have recently taken place at the RITU [1] focal plane detector system. Due to these developments the gas-filled recoil separator RITU is now, in the best case, up to an order of magnitude more sensitive than before.

Yrast structures in the light Pt isotopes169–173Pt

The exploitation of the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique has reinvigorated experimental investigations of the shape coexistence phenomenon in heavy neutron-deficient nuclei. In a recent experiment using the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator, excited states have been investigated in the light platinum isotopes. In addition to extending the yrast sequences in 170Pt and 172Pt, the first observation of excited states in the odd-N isotopes, 169Pt and 173Pt, is reported. The bands are discussed in terms of trends in level excitation energies as a function of neutron number.

First identification of rotational band structures inRe9175166

Despite that it is more than 100 years since the atomic nucleus was first dis- covered by Ernest Rutherford and coworkers, many of its features still elude our understanding. The fact that the fundamental interactions between the nuclear constituents; nucleons, and ultimately quarks, are not yet known in detail, and the complexity of the nuclear many-body system compound the great challenges facing theoretical interpretations of experimental data. It is therefore important to focus on distinct phenomena where experimental mea- surements can be compared with theoretical predictions, providing stringent tests of theory. One such area is the nuclear phenomenology of collective excitations rela…

Competition of fission with the population of the yrast superdeformed band in $^{194}$Pb

The 194Pb yrast superdeformed band has been populated in two reactions induced by two different beams delivered by the JYFL cyclotron. These two reactions differ in the asymmetry ratio (i.e. the ratio of the target mass over the projectile one) by more than a factor 3. For the first time, a superdeformed band of the A≈190 mass region has been populated using such a very heavy beam, namely 74Ge.

Population of a low-spin positive-parity band from high-spin intruder states in 177Au: The two-state mixing effect

The extremely neutron-deficient isotopes 177,179Au were studied by means of in-beam ?-ray spectroscopy. Specific tagging techniques, ?-decay tagging in 177Au and isomer tagging in 179Au, were used for these studies. Feeding of positive-parity, nearly spherical states, which are associated with 2d3/2 and 3s1/2 proton-hole configurations, from the 1i13/2 proton-intruder configuration was observed in 177Au. Such a decay path has no precedent in odd-Au isotopes and it is explained by the effect of mixing of wave functions of the initial state. © 2020

Nuclear isomers in superheavy elements as stepping stones towards the island of stability

The stability of an atomic nucleus is determined by the outcome of a tug-of-war between the attractive strong nuclear force and the repulsive electrostatic force between the protons in the nucleus. If 100 protons and about 150 neutrons or more are assembled into a nucleus, the repulsion usually becomes dominant and causes the nucleus to fission. For certain 'magic numbers' of protons and neutrons this repulsion can be overcome and the nucleus stabilized. In particular an 'island of stability' is predicted beyond the actinides, where long-lived or even stable superheavy elements can exist, but its precise limits are unknown. Experiments can help determine where this island lies, however. Spe…

Delayed or absent π(h11/2)2 alignment in Xe111

αdecay studies of very neutron-deficient francium and radium isotopes

Very neutron-deficient francium and radium isotopes have been produced in fusion evaporation reactions using $^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$ and $^{65}\mathrm{Cu}$ ions on $^{141}\mathrm{Pr}$ targets and $^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$ ions on $^{170}\mathrm{Yb}$ targets. The gas-filled recoil separator RITU was employed to collect the fusion products and to separate them from the scattered beam. The activities were implanted into a position-sensitive silicon detector after passing through a gas-counter system. The isotopes were identified using spatial and time correlations between the implants and decays. Two new \ensuremath{\alpha} decaying radium isotopes, $^{201}\mathrm{Ra}$ and $^{202}\mathrm{Ra}$, were identi…

β and γ bands in N = 88, 90, and 92 isotones investigated with a five-dimensional collective Hamiltonian based on covariant density functional theory : Vibrations, shape coexistence, and superdeformation

A comprehensive systematic study is made for the collective β and γ bands in even-even isotopes with neutron numbers N=88 to 92 and proton numbers Z=62(Sm) to 70 (Yb). Data, including excitation energies, B(E0) and B(E2) values, and branching ratios from previously published experiments are collated with new data presented for the first time in this study. The experimental data are compared to calculations using a five-dimensional collective Hamiltonian (5DCH) based on the covariant density functional theory (CDFT). A realistic potential in the quadrupole shape parameters V(β,γ) is determined from potential energy surfaces (PES) calculated using the CDFT. The parameters of the 5DCH are fixe…

Identification of isomeric states in the N=73 neutron-deficient nuclei 132Pr and 130La

Decays from isomeric states in the neutron-deficient N=73 nuclei 132Pr and 130La have been observed for the first time. Half-lives of 486(70) ns and 2.46(4) μs were measured for two isomeric states in 132Pr. The decay from the 486ns (8 -) isomer has been interpreted as a hindered E1 transition from the bandhead state of the excited πh 11/2νg 7/2 configuration. The decay from the 2.5 μs (8 +) isomer is consistent with the Weisskopf estimate for a low-energy E2 transition. An analogous 0.74(3) μs decay from an (8 +) isomer in the neighboring isotone 130La has also been observed which similarly can be explained if the transition has E2 character. The Weisskopf interpretation for the isomer hin…

High-Kfour-quasiparticle states inGd138

States above the known ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={8}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ 6 $\ensuremath{\mu}$s isomer in $^{138}\mathrm{Gd}$ have been populated with the $^{106}\mathrm{Cd}$($^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$,$2p2n$) reaction at a beam energy of 180 MeV at the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a, Finland. The recoil-isomer tagging technique was utilized to correlate delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray decays, detected in the GREAT focal plane spectrometer, with prompt decays measured in the JUROGAM II spectrometer at the target position. The lifetime of the ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={8}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomeric state has been remeasured as 6.2(2) $\ensuremath{\mu}$s. Two high-lying strongly coupled bands have been estab…

Neutron excitations in Ba119

First observation of excited states in the neutron deficient nuclei Pt and Pt

Abstract Excited states have been observed for the first time in 168 Pt and 170 Pt using the α -decay recoil-tagging technique. The trend of decreasing deformation moving away from the N =104 mid-shell continues for 170 Pt but the structure of 168 Pt is significantly different. The low spin level energy systematics in 168 – 184 Pt are presented and discussed within the framework of the interacting boson model.

Shears mechanism in109Cd

Lifetimes of high-spin states in two $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=1$ bands and one $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=2$ band in ${}^{109}\mathrm{Cd}$ have been measured using the Doppler shift attenuation method in an experiment performed using the ${}^{96}\mathrm{Zr}{(}^{18}\mathrm{O},5n)$ reaction with the GAMMASPHERE array. Experimental total angular momenta and reduced transition strengths for both $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=1$ bands were compared with tilted axis cranking (shears mechanism) predictions and the $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=2$ band with principal axis cranking predictions, based on configurations involving two proton ${g}_{9/2}$ holes and one or three valence quasineutrons from the ${h}_{11/2}$ and mi…

High-spin intruder band in $^{107}$In

High-spin states in the neutron deficient nucleus $^{107}$In were studied via the $^{58}$Ni($^{52}$Cr, 3p) reaction. In-beam $\gamma$ rays were measured using the JUROGAM detector array. A rotational cascade consisting of ten $\gamma$-ray transitions which decays to the 19/2$^{+}$ level at 2.002 MeV was observed. The band exhibits the features typical for smooth terminating bands which also appear in rotational bands of heavier nuclei in the A$\sim$100 region. The results are compared with Total Routhian Surface and Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations.

Excited states in 217Ra populated in the α decay of 221Th

Fine structure in the α decay of 22190Th, populating excited states in 21788Ra, was studied using αγ-coincidence spectroscopy. Two α-decay branches from 221Th have been newly observed, with Eα(keV)[bα(%)]=7951(8)[0.14(3)] and 8247(3)[1.51(12)], together with three previously known branches. Also, two new states in 217Ra were identified at E = 177 and 227 keV. The ground-state configurations of the odd-A, N = 131 transitional isotones above 208Pb are interpreted from their α-decay fine structure systematics and considered in terms of predictions using spherical shell and reflection-asymmetric models. peerReviewed

α-decay spectroscopy of the N = 130 isotones 218Ra and 220Th: Mitigation of α-particle energy summing with implanted nuclei

An analysis technique has been developed in order to mitigate energy summing due to sequential short-lived α decays from nuclei implanted into a silicon detector. Using this technique, α-decay spectroscopy of the N=130 isotones 218Ra (Z=88) and 220Th (Z=90) has been performed. The energies of the α particles emitted in the 218Ra→214Rn and 220Th→216Ra ground-state-to-ground-state decays have been measured to be 8381(4) keV and 8818(13) keV, respectively. The half-lives of the ground states of 218Ra and 220Th have been measured to be 25.99(10) μs and 10.4(4) μs, respectively. The half-lives of the ground states of the α-decay daughters, 214Rn and 216Ra, have been measured to be 259(3) ns and …

Identification of the 13/2+ isomer in 199At

The 13/2+ isomeric state in the 199At nucleus has been identified at an excitation energy of 573 keV and its half-life measured to be 580(130) ns using the recoil-decay tagging technique.

Stability ofS50100n50Deduced from Excited States inC4899d51

Excited states of neutron deficient nuclei close to Sn-100 were investigated in an in-beam spectroscopic experiment using the NORDBALL detector array. Excited states in Cd-99 were identified for the first time. The measured half-life of an isomeric state in Cd-99 indicates that the stability with respect to quadrupole shape changes is as large in Sn-100 as for other heavy doubly magic nuclei.

Identification of excited states in 167Os and 168Os: shape coexistence at extreme neutron deficiency

Excited states in the very neutron-deficient isotopes Os-167 and Os-168 have been observed using the reaction Sn-112(Ni-58, 2pxn). The JUROSPHERE gamma -ray spectrometer array was used in conjuncti ...

Delayed or absent π(h11/2)2 alignment in 111Xe

Excited states have been identified in the very neutron-deficient N = Z + 3 nucleus 111Xe for the first time, using the 58Ni(58Ni, αn) heavy-ion fusion-evaporation reaction. γ -ray transitions have been unambiguously assigned to 111Xe by correlation with the characteristic 111Xe → 107Te → 103Sn α-decay chain using the method of recoil-decay tagging. Inspection of γ γ -coincidence data has shown that five of the transitions form a rotational-like sequence. Excitation-energy systematics suggest that the sequence could be the favored signature partner of a band built on an h11/2 neutron. Aligned angular momenta of states in the band have been compared to analogous bands in neighboring xenon is…

Spectroscopy ofHo144using recoil-isomer tagging

Excited states in the proton-unbound odd-odd nucleus $^{144}\mathrm{Ho}$ have been populated using the $^{92}\mathrm{Mo}(^{54}\mathrm{Fe},\mathit{pn})^{144}\mathrm{Ho}$ reaction and studied using the recoil-isomer-tagging technique. The alignment properties and signature splitting of the rotational band above the ${I}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=({8}^{+})^{144m}\mathrm{Ho}$ isomer have been analyzed and the isomer confirmed to have a $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{11/2}$ two-quasiparticle configuration. The configuration-constrained blocking method has been used to calculate the shapes of the ground and isomeric states, which are both predicted to have triaxia…

High-spin studies near 100Sn with NORDBALL: New results on 102In, 104In and 108Sb

The NORDBALL detector array has been used in a gamma-ray spectroscopic study of neutron deficient nuclei close to 100Sn. A beam of 270 MeV 58Ni ions was used to bombard a target of Fe-54. Reaction channel separation was achieved with a 4pi charged particle Si-ball together with a 1pi neutron detector wall. Altogether 29 final nuclei were identified and excited states were observed for the first time in 8 of them. The weakest identified channel was 100Cd which represented 4.10(-3) % of the observed total yield. Level schemes Of 102In, 104In and 108Sb constructed from gamma-gamma-particle-coincidence and gamma-gamma-angular correlation analyses are presented. The observed structures are discu…

Population of a low-spin positive-parity band from high-spin intruder states in Au: The two-state mixing effect

The extremely neutron-deficient isotopes $^{177,179}$Au were studied by means of in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy. Specific tagging techniques, α-decay tagging in $^{177}$Au and isomer tagging in $^{179}$Au, were used for these studies. Feeding of positive-parity, nearly spherical states, which are associated with 2d3/2 and 3s1/2 proton-hole configurations, from the 1i13/2 proton-intruder configuration was observed in $^{177}$Au. Such a decay path has no precedent in odd-Au isotopes and it is explained by the effect of mixing of wave functions of the initial state.

Identification and spectroscopy of the108Te nucleus

Excited states of 108 Te were populated in the 54 Fe + 58 Ni (270 MeV) reaction using the NORDBALL detector array equipped with charged-particle and neutron detector systems for reaction channel separation. Gamma rays belonging to the neutron deficient nucleus 108 Te were identified for the first time. On the basis of γγ-coincidence and angular correlation relations a level scheme was constructed with tentative spin and parity assignments. The structure of the nucleus is discussed in the framework of systematics of heavier Te nuclei.

In-beam study of low-lying levels in the149Sm nucleus

The146Nd(α,n) reaction combined with conventional in-beam spectroscopic methods has been used to study low-lying levels in149Sm. Several new levels andγ-ray transitions have been placed to the149Sm level scheme. Main features of levels below 1 MeV in149Sm have been reproduced in a quasiparticle-rotor model calculation.

Application of ultra-fast timing techniques to the study of exotic and weakly produced nuclei

Ultra-fast time-delayed techniques have been recently applied in a number of studies where exotic nuclei were identified using advanced selection techniques. These include large Compton-suppressed Ge arrays, in-flight separators or recoil separators. Some of the new results are discussed in this presentation. Besides the results for $^{32}$Mg and $^{96}$Pd, they include the first determination of the half-life of the $8^+$ state in $^{80}$Ge, $T_1/2$ = 2.95(6) ns, and significantly more precise results for $^{51}$Mn (3680 keV level) and $^{48}$V (421 keV level), $T_1/2$ = 1760(40) ps and $T_1/2$ $\leq$ 135 ps, respectively. Development of new scintillators will steadily improve precision an…

Single-particle states and parity doublets in odd-Z 221Ac and 225Pa from α-decay spectroscopy

Low-lying states in the odd-Z isotopes 22189Ac132 and 22591Pa134 have been studied using α-particle and αγ-coincidence spectroscopy in the 225Pa→221Ac→217Fr decay chain. Ground-state spin and parity assignments of Iπ = 5/2− are proposed for both 221Ac and 225Pa, with the odd proton occupying the Ω = 5/2 orbital of the quadrupole-octupole deformed shell model in both nuclei. In 221Ac, excited states in the bands based on the Ω = 5/2 and Ω = 3/2 orbitals have been identified, including proposed parity-doublet states. The results suggest that reflection-asymmetric deformation of the ground state persists in the odd-A members of the isotope chains down to N = 132 for Ac and N = 134 for Pa, befo…

First observation of excited states in 108Sb

A spectroscopic study of Sb-108 has been carried out as a part of a larger experiment where in total twenty-nine different residual nuclei were identified. This study gives the first information on excited levels in this nucleus. A low-lying two-quasi-particle multiplet together with some of the higher lying levels are discussed within the framework of the nuclear shell model. A rotational, strongly coupled, band is identified as, most likely, being built on the deformed pig9/2(-1) nuh11/2 configuration in accordance with total routhian surface calculations. Tentative spins and parities are presented as well as B(M1)/B(E2) ratios for some of the transitions in the strongly coupled band.

Experimental study of 1/2(+) isomers in At-199,At-201

Using fusion-evaporation reactions, a gas-filled recoil separator, and recoil-electron and recoil-electron-alpha tagging techniques, a new isomeric 1/2(+) state [T-1/2 = 45(3) ms] in At-201 is identified, and an earlier reported corresponding state [T-1/2 = 273(9) ms] in At-199 is confirmed. The 1/2(+) state is suggested to originate from an intruder pi(s(1/2))(-1) configuration. In addition, nuclear structure of states below and above this 1/2(+) state are studied in both nuclei. The isomer decays through a cascade of an E3 transition followed by a mixed M1/E2 transition to the 9/2(-) ground state, and it is interpreted to be fed from nearly spherical 3/2(+) and 5/2(+) states originating f…

The new vacuum-mode recoil separator MARA at JYFL

Abstract A new vacuum-mode recoil separator MARA (Mass Analysing Recoil Apparatus) is under design and construction at the Department of Physics in the University of Jyvaskyla. The separator is intended to separate reaction products from the primary beam in mass region below A = 150 . The ion-optical configuration of the separator will be QQQDEDM, where a magnetic quadrupole (Q) triplet is followed by an electrostatic deflector (DE) and a magnetic dipole (DM). The total length of MARA will be less than 7.0 m and the first order resolving power more than 250 for a beam spot size of 2 mm. In this contribution the main properties of MARA are given and results from simulations are shown.

The influence of quasineutron configurations on 161Ta and nearby odd-A Nuclei

Several strongly coupled bands in the neutron‐deficient nucleus 161Ta have been identified and quasiparticle configuration assignments have been made on the basis of rotational alignments and cranked shell model calculations. The level scheme elucidated for 161Ta highlights the competition between the ν(h9/2) and ν(i13/2) orbitals to form the yrast spectrum. The band structures in 161Ta also provide new insights into the structural features of other heavy odd‐A nuclei populated with much lower reaction cross sections in this region at the proton drip line.

Lifetime measurement of the first excited2+state in108Te

The lifetime of the first excited 2(+) state in the neutron deficient nuclide (108)Te has been measured for the first time, using a combined recoil decay tagging and recoil distance Doppler shift t ...

Chirality of $^{135}$Nd reexamined: Evidence for multiple chiral doublet bands

One new pair of positive-parity chiral doublet bands have been identified in the odd-$A$ nucleus $^{135}$Nd which together with the previously reported negative-parity chiral doublet bands constitute a third case of multiple chiral doublet (M$\chi$D) bands in the $A\approx130$ mass region. The properties of the M$\chi$D bands are well reproduced by constrained covariant density functional theory and particle rotor model calculations. The newly observed M$\chi$D bands in $^{135}$Nd represents an important milestone in supporting the existence of M$\chi$D in nuclei.

Probing shapes of very neutron deficientZ≈82 nuclei using the recoil-decay tagging method

The JYFL gas-filled recoil separator, RITU, combined with efficient Ge-detector arrays has been employed in in-beam γ-ray studies of very neutron-deficient nuclei close to theZ=82 shell. Gamma-rays from nuclei produced at the few μb cross-section level have been detected.

Competing proton and neutron alignments in 117−120Xe

Study of band crossings in 130Xe

Abstract Excited states in 130Xe were populated in the reaction 130 Te (α, 4 n ) , and the subsequent de-excitation was studied using in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic methods. High-spin states were observed to a possible spin of 19 kh at an excitation energy of 7 MeV. Band-crossings due to h 11 2 neutrons and protons were observed. The triaxial cranked shell model was applied in order to study the quasiparticle content of different bands. Excitation energies of two-quasiparticle states were calculated in the framework of the semiempirical shell model.